Interlocking Adapter AC Cycle Switching for Lower Heat Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlocking adapters for electric apparatuses with working machines require continuous load current supply, leading to increased size and power consumption due to heat dissipation needs, and inefficient use of energy.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking adapter with a current path, electric load, switch, and controller that turns the switch on and off synchronously with alternating-current voltage cycles to reduce the effective load current, using a specified ratio of on and off periods to minimize power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous load current is supplied to the electric load, then the electric apparatus can detect operation of the working machine, but the interlocking adapter increases in size due to heat dissipation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by turning the switch on and off in synchronization with the alternating-current voltage cycles. The controller supplies load current only during specific portions of the AC voltage cycle (when voltage exceeds a threshold), rather than continuously. This periodic current supply reduces heat generation in the electric load, eliminating the need for large heat dissipation structures and allowing the adapter to be downsized while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If continuous load current is supplied to the electric load, then the electric apparatus can detect operation of the working machine, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller supplies load current periodically in synchronization with AC voltage cycles, only when the instantaneous voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. This reduces the average current through the electric load compared to continuous supply, thereby reducing power consumption (P = I²R) while still providing sufficient current during detection-critical periods to enable the electric apparatus to detect working machine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by supplying load current only during portions of the AC cycle when voltage is sufficiently high, rather than during the entire cycle. This partial current supply is sufficient for detection purposes but reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous full-current supply.
3Reliability
If continuous load current is supplied to the electric load, then the electric apparatus can detect operation of the working machine, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is controlled to be on only during specific phases of the AC voltage cycle (when voltage exceeds threshold), creating periodic current flow through the electric load. Since heat generation is proportional to I²R and the current is intermittent rather than continuous, the total heat generated is significantly reduced, eliminating the need for substantial heat dissipation measures.
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
The solution reduces power consumption and heat generation, allowing for downsizing of the interlocking adapter while maintaining effective operation with working machines, and enables continued operation of electric apparatuses even after the working machine stops.
Implementation Method 1
heat is generated due to flow of the electric current through the electric load
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking adapter in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a current path, an electric load, a switch, and a controller. The controller turns on and off the switch in synchronization with a change of an alternating-current voltage received from an electric outlet of an electric apparatus in response to reception of an interlocking command signal from a working machine so as to supply a load current from the electric outlet to the electric load. The controller turns on and off the switch at a specified ratio of a time every ½ cycle of the alternating-current voltage.