Drain Pump Power Interface for AC-to-DC Air Conditioner Retrofits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner systems face challenges in easily replacing functional components that require different voltage types, specifically from AC to DC, due to the need for dedicated conversion circuits.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner system incorporates a wiring plug-in coupler connected to a power source unit that supplies AC voltage, allowing for the connection of a general-purpose converter to convert AC voltage to DC voltage, thereby enabling easy connection of DC voltage-actuated functional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a functional component configured to be actuated by AC voltage is replaced with a functional component configured to be actuated by DC voltage, then the functional component can operate with higher efficiency, but a dedicated conversion circuit configured to convert AC voltage to DC voltage must be prepared, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power source unit is designed with dual functionality: it can supply both AC voltage directly to AC-actuated functional components and convert to DC voltage for DC-actuated functional components. This universal power source eliminates the need for separate dedicated conversion circuits when replacing functional components with different voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion circuit is merged into the power source unit, combining the AC power supply function and the AC-to-DC conversion function into a single integrated power source unit. This allows the power source unit to serve multiple purposes and eliminates the need for separate conversion circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated conversion circuit is prepared to replace functional components with different voltage requirements, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but ease of replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power source unit provides universal voltage output capability, supporting both AC and DC voltage outputs. This allows functional components with different voltage requirements to be replaced without preparing dedicated conversion circuits, significantly improving replacement ease while maintaining voltage compatibility.
3Device complexity
If the power source unit supplies AC voltage directly to functional components, then the system structure is simple, but adaptability to DC voltage-actuated components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power source unit incorporates dynamic voltage output capability, allowing it to switch between AC voltage output and DC voltage output based on the requirements of the connected functional component. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to work with different voltage types without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AC power supply function and AC-to-DC conversion function are merged into a single power source unit, creating an integrated system that maintains structural simplicity while achieving multi-voltage adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for seamless replacement and connection of functional components actuated by DC voltage to the air conditioner's power source unit, which supplies AC voltage, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert AC voltage to DC voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air conditioner 1 includes a power source circuit 10 configured to supply AC voltage, and an electrical outlet 20 connected to the power source circuit 10 and configured to supply voltage to a drain pump 30 configured to be actuated by DC voltage in cooperation with the air conditioner 1. The electrical outlet 20 is configured to be connected with an input terminal 21a of a converter 21 configured to convert AC voltage to DC voltage and supply the drain pump 30 with the DC voltage.