Power Cord Temperature Control with Power-Off Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power cords with temperature controllers fail to alert users when the power supply is cut off due to overheating, leading to delayed detection of disconnection issues and potential equipment malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control power cord with a normally-on indicator light and power-off indication circuit, featuring a temperature control switch connected in series with a live wire pin and an indicator light or buzzer, which disconnects power when excessive heat is detected and alerts the user through visual or auditory signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature controller is added to the power cord, then overheating protection is improved, but user awareness of power-off state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by adding an indicator light that provides visual information to the user about the power cord's operational state. The indicator light is controlled by a control circuit that detects whether the temperature controller is in a normal or protective state, and accordingly illuminates or extinguishes to inform the user of the current status. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable overheating protection while eliminating information loss about the power-off state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the control circuit and indicator light that mediates between the temperature controller and the user. The control circuit acts as an intermediary device that monitors the temperature controller's state and translates it into visual signals through the indicator light, allowing the user to understand the power cord's status without directly observing the temperature controller's internal state.
2Loss of information
If indicator light is added to show power status, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator light function with the existing temperature controller circuitry. The control circuit is integrated into the power cord's internal structure and shares the same power supply and control lines as the temperature controller. The indicator light is connected in parallel with the temperature controller's switching element, allowing both functions to operate within a unified circuit architecture, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Prevents overheating by automatically disconnecting power and warning users of a power-off state, enabling timely identification and resolution of connection issues, thus ensuring normal equipment operation.
Implementation Method 1
can monitor the temperature in the power plug. When the temperature in the plug is exorbitant, the electric connection between the power cord and the power-consuming equipment can be cut-off
Implementation Method 2
an indicator light is connected between the live wire pin and the null wire pin in parallel
Implementation Method 3
a power-off alarm circuit that is connected with the power input end in parallel, wherein the power-off alarm circuit is electrically connected with a battery that is arranged on the load power source, and a buzzer is arranged on the power-off alarm circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control power cord, a power cord with power-off indication, and a power cord connected with a load power source, comprising a shell, a power output cord, a null wire pin that is arranged on one side of the shell, and is electrically connected with the power output cord, a live wire pin and a ground wire pin, wherein a temperature control switch is connected to the live wire pin in series; the present invention can monitor the temperature in the power plug; when the temperature in the plug is exorbitant, the electric connection between the power cord and the power-consuming equipment can be cut-off, thereby preventing the power cord from overheating, and warning the user that the power cord is in an off state.