Multi-Conductor Power Plug for Voltage Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power plugs and supplies require multiple devices for different voltages, leading to inconvenience and increased manufacturing costs due to complex circuits, and are prone to reliability issues from manual switches and unintended voltage changes.

Innovation Solution

A plug and power supply design that changes output voltage by altering its state, eliminating the need for complex circuits and circuit traces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power plugs and power supplies are used for different voltages, then voltage compatibility is improved, but device quantity and resource waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoiddevice quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device is designed with multiple output voltage capabilities (5V, 12V, 20V) integrated into a single unit. The plug structure includes multiple conductors (first, second, third, fourth conductors) that can be selectively connected to provide different voltage outputs, allowing one device to replace multiple dedicated power supplies for different voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual switches are used for voltage adjustment, then voltage adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to switch failure and unintended operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual switch with an automatic detection and connection system. The plug structure automatically detects the required voltage and establishes appropriate electrical connections through its multi-conductor design, eliminating the need for manual switching operations and associated reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex circuits and circuit traces are designed for voltage variation, then voltage adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device is segmented into distinct conductor groups (first and second conductors for power input, third and fourth conductors for selective voltage output). Each conductor is independently configurable to provide different voltage levels, allowing simple modular manufacturing without complex integrated circuits or trace routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10720740B1Plug, power supply and power connector

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 CHICONY POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A plug includes a first member and a second member detachably connected to each other. The first member includes four conductors, which are separated from each other. The third and fourth conductors are selectively electrically connected to the first and second conductors, respectively. The second member includes four pins. The first and second pins are electrically connected to the first and second conductors, respectively, and are selectively electrically connected to the third and fourth conductors, respectively. The third and fourth pins are electrically connected to the first and second pins, respectively. The first and second pins are separated from each other, and the third and fourth pins are separated from each other. A power supply configured with the plug and a power connector are also provided.