Interlocking adapter, and method for operating electric apparatus in interlocking manner with working machine
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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 cycles (when voltage exceeds a threshold), rather than continuously. This periodic current supply reduces heat generation in the electric load, allowing the adapter to be downsized while still enabling the electric apparatus to detect working machine operation through the presence of load current during active periods.
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 by turning the switch on only during specific portions of the AC voltage cycles (when the instantaneous voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold). This reduces the total energy consumption compared to continuous current supply, while still maintaining sufficient load current during active periods for reliable detection of working machine operation by the electric apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of current supply from continuous to periodic by utilizing the time-varying nature of AC voltage. The switch is controlled to conduct only when the instantaneous AC voltage is above a threshold, effectively modulating the current supply in time. This parameter change reduces average power consumption while preserving detection capability.
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 requiring heat dissipation measures
Solution Approach 1:
By supplying load current periodically rather than continuously - specifically during portions of AC voltage cycles when voltage exceeds a threshold - the patent significantly reduces the total heat generated in the electric load. This periodic current supply pattern maintains detection reliability during active periods while reducing cumulative heat generation that would require extensive heat dissipation measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of continuous heat generation into a beneficial periodic pattern. By utilizing the natural oscillation of AC voltage, the system generates heat only when necessary for detection, transforming what would be a continuous harmful thermal effect into a controlled, intermittent phenomenon that is easier to manage and dissipate.
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 operation of different types of electric apparatuses in interlocking mode with various working machines.
Implementation Method 1
a current path that supplies a load current based on an alternating-current voltage received from an electric outlet
Implementation Method 2
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.