Dual-Input Power Conversion for AC/DC Home Appliances

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home appliances are limited by their inability to seamlessly operate in both AC and DC distribution environments, leading to increased costs, complexity, and safety risks due to the need for separate converters and user skill requirements, hindering the transition to DC distribution.

Innovation Solution

A power converting apparatus with an input unit capable of receiving both AC and DC power, featuring a bridge diode unit that rectifies AC power and ensures consistent DC output polarity, along with a noise filter and relay for efficient power management, allowing the appliance to function in both AC and DC environments without requiring separate converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate AC/DC converters are used for AC and DC environments, then the appliance can operate in both environments, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability in AC and DC environmentsVSAvoidnumber of converters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions by accepting both AC and DC inputs through a single integrated circuit. The bridge diode unit and control unit enable the same hardware to adapt to different power sources, eliminating the need for separate AC and DC converters while maintaining operability in both environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate AC conversion circuitry and DC conversion circuitry into a single unified power supply unit. The bridge diode unit merges rectification functions, while the control unit integrates power source detection and conversion control, reducing overall device complexity while preserving dual-environment adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate AC/DC converters are used for AC and DC environments, then the appliance can operate in both environments, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability in AC and DC environmentsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions by accepting both AC and DC inputs through a single integrated circuit. The bridge diode unit and control unit enable the same hardware to adapt to different power sources, eliminating the need for separate AC and DC converters while maintaining operability in both environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate AC conversion circuitry and DC conversion circuitry into a single unified power supply unit. The bridge diode unit merges rectification functions, while the control unit integrates power source detection and conversion control, reducing overall device complexity while preserving dual-environment adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If users install converters themselves, then installation flexibility increases, but safety risks increase due to user skill requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsafety during installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects whether AC or DC power is supplied and autonomously configures the power conversion circuitry accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention in complex conversion settings, maintaining installation flexibility while ensuring safety through automated, error-free configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the power source characteristics and provides real-time feedback to adjust the conversion process. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation by automatically adapting to the detected power source type, preventing unsafe conditions while allowing users to simply connect power without technical knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the appliance to operate safely and efficiently in both AC and DC environments, reducing manufacturing and service costs, and simplifying user installation and operation, while facilitating a transition to DC distribution without the need for appliance replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a bridge diode unit which always outputs the DC power having a given polarity when DC power is connected to the input unit, and rectifies the AC power received through the input unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10784798B2Power converting apparatus and home appliance including the same

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A power converting apparatus and a home appliance having the same according to the present invention includes: an input unit including an AC connection unit which receives an alternating current (AC) power from an external and a DC connection unit which receives a direct current (DC) power; a bridge diode unit which always outputs the DC power having a given polarity when DC power is connected to the input unit, and rectifies the AC power received through the input unit when the DC power is connected to the input unit; and a capacitor which is connected to a DC terminal which is an output terminal of the bridge diode unit.