Dual Control Board Power Sharing to Reduce AC-DC Converter Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provision of multiple control boards in air conditioners necessitates a power source circuit with increased components, including noise filters and AC-DC converters, which complicates the system.
Innovation Solution
A control device design that eliminates the need for noise filters and AC-DC converters on secondary control boards, using a common case to house both control boards and employing a communication circuit with a bypass circuit and current signal for communication, allowing independent operation and power-saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control boards are provided in a single air conditioner apparatus, then additional functions can be achieved, but the number of power source circuit components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first control board is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a control board and a power source board. The power source circuit on the first control board supplies power not only to itself but also to the second control board, eliminating the need for duplicate power source components on the second board.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a complete copy of the power source circuit on each control board, the patent uses a simplified communication circuit on the second board that copies only the essential control functionality while relying on the first board's power source circuit.
2Reliability
If each control board has its own power source circuit, then each board can operate independently, but the total number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source functionality is merged into the first control board, which then serves as a shared power source for the entire system. This consolidation maintains system reliability while reducing the total component count by eliminating redundant power source circuits.
3Volume of moving object
If control boards are placed close together in a common case, then space is saved, but noise interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
A shield plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second control boards. This shield plate acts as a barrier to electromagnetic noise while allowing the boards to remain in close proximity for efficient space utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device includes a first control board connected with an AC power source and equipped with a first control unit, and a second control board provided separately and different from the first control board and equipped with a second control unit. The first control board includes a noise filter, an AC-DC converter configured to generate DC voltage from AC voltage, and DC output wiring configured to allow the DC voltage to be used in the board and also supply the DC voltage to outside the board. The second control board is supplied with DC voltage from the DC output wiring.