Interlocking Outlet Control for Synchronized Equipment Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require workers to manually plug and unplug power to multiple pieces of equipment one by one, leading to inconvenience when operating and stopping simultaneous operations.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking type outlet device that synchronizes power supply to multiple pieces of equipment through current detectors and switches, allowing simultaneous operation and automatic power cutoff in case of abnormal conditions, with a bypass mechanism for defective components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power plugs are plugged in one by one to supply power to multiple equipment, then each equipment can be powered individually, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outlets are integrated into a single outlet device with shared power supply control. The control unit coordinates multiple outlets so that when one outlet detects power supply, it automatically enables power supply to other outlets through the switch, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple equipment without repeated plugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet device automatically detects when equipment is connected to an outlet and autonomously activates the switch to supply power to other outlets. The system self-regulates power distribution based on detection signals from current detectors, eliminating the need for manual intervention to plug and unplug power plugs.
2Productivity
If manual plugging and unplugging of power plugs is required for each equipment, then individual equipment can be controlled, but the worker has to repeatedly perform the same operation
Solution Approach 1:
Current detectors are installed in each outlet to detect whether equipment is connected and drawing power. The detection signal is fed back to the control unit, which automatically activates the switch to supply power to other outlets, creating a feedback loop that enables simultaneous operation without manual repetition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the power supply path in advance by pre-configuring the switch and control unit to automatically activate power supply to multiple outlets when one outlet detects equipment connection, eliminating the need for sequential manual plugging operations.
3Productivity
If power is supplied to multiple equipment simultaneously, then work can be performed concurrently, but power management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single switch and control unit manage power supply to multiple outlets, making the power management system universal. The same switch and control logic serve all outlets, enabling simultaneous power supply to multiple equipment while avoiding the need for separate control mechanisms for each outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an interlocking type outlet device including a first outlet receiving power from an external power source and supplying the power to a first equipment, a second outlet receiving the power from the external power source and supplying the power to a second equipment, a first current detector connected to the first outlet and detecting that the power is supplied to the first equipment, and a switch disposed between the external power source and the second outlet and connected to the first current detector to regulate power supply to the second outlet according to power being supplied to the first equipment.