Plug Power Supply Automatic Voltage Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-type power supply units for electrically adjustable furniture face challenges in accommodating different AC line voltages, leading to increased production costs and potential damage due to erroneous voltage selection, as they require manual switching and additional detection circuits.
Innovation Solution
A plug-type power supply unit with a switchable power supply component that automatically selects between two line voltage ranges using an electromechanical or electronic switch triggered by the plug type, ensuring operation in the correct voltage range and preventing manual actuation errors, thereby reducing production costs and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual switch or detection circuit is used to select voltage range, then the power supply can operate in different voltage regions, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the inserted plug type and self-configures the appropriate voltage range without requiring manual switching or complex detection circuits. The plug type itself serves as the selection mechanism, eliminating the need for additional control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage range is predetermined and fixed based on the plug type configuration. The switch is pre-configured to correspond to specific voltage ranges according to the plug type, so no real-time detection or decision-making is needed during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual switch is used for voltage selection, then voltage range can be chosen, but erroneous operation can lead to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual intervention by automatically configuring the voltage range based on the detected plug type. This self-configuration prevents human error such as incorrect switching or mismatched voltage selection that could damage the power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively prevents erroneous operation by establishing a fixed correspondence between plug types and voltage ranges. The physical design of the plug and switch ensures that only the correct voltage range can be selected for each plug type, making erroneous selection impossible.
3Reliability
If different switchable power supplies are provided for different voltage regions, then correct operation is ensured, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single power supply unit is designed to handle multiple voltage ranges by incorporating a switchable first stage that can be configured according to the plug type. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture separate power supplies for different voltage regions while maintaining correct operation in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is divided into configurable stages, with the first stage being switchable between different voltage ranges. This segmentation allows one unit to perform the function of multiple specialized units while keeping production costs lower.
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 allows for a cost-effective, reliable, and automatic selection of line voltage ranges, preventing damage and ensuring the plug-type power supply unit operates correctly across different voltage areas, thus providing flexible and economical energy supply for adjustable furniture systems.
Implementation Method 1
the switch of the first stage is designed as an electromechanical or electronic switch and the plug unit has means for actuating the switch
Implementation Method 2
a first stage, which is set up for rectification of an AC line voltage, and a second stage, which is set up to output at least one DC voltage that is generated from the rectified AC line voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mains plug component with a housing and a mains switch component arranged in the housing comprising a first stage for rectifying a mains AC voltage and a second stage for generating a DC voltage from the rectified mains AC voltage. The first stage comprises an electromechanical switch, by means of which a first or second voltage range may be selected. The housing has a section for a pin of an inserted plug piece such that, on insertion, the switch is activated by the inserted pin. The plug piece for insertion has no pin for the first voltage range and a pin for the second voltage range.