Power Device Frequency-Dependent Reactive Circuit Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The widespread issue of 'vampire loads' or standby power consumption in electronic devices contributes significantly to energy waste, as many appliances continue to draw power even when switched off or in standby mode, exacerbating the energy crisis by increasing overall energy demand and costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power device with a frequency-dependent reactive device that replaces transformers and linear regulators, using capacitors to regulate power and shut off devices when fully charged, thereby reducing energy wastage and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If transformers and linear regulators are used to regulate power, then power delivery is controlled, but energy wastage increases and heat loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy wastageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes transformers and linear regulators from the power delivery system, extracting the problematic components that cause energy wastage and heat loss. The system achieves power regulation without these traditional components by using a circuit breaker assembly that directly controls power flow based on charging status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic regulation system (transformers and linear regulators) with an electronic control system using circuit breakers and control circuits. This substitution eliminates the inherent energy losses associated with traditional electromagnetic regulation while maintaining power control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If devices remain plugged in during standby mode, then instant-on functionality is maintained, but vampire load consumes electricity continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstant-on functionalityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of device charging status through control circuits that continuously detect whether devices are fully charged. Based on this periodic assessment, the system automatically opens circuit breakers to disconnect power, creating an on-demand power delivery pattern rather than continuous power flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where control circuits monitor device charging status and provide information to the circuit breaker assembly. This feedback loop enables automatic disconnection of power when devices are fully charged, eliminating standby power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly reconnect power when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voltage outputs are provided in a single device, then versatility is increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power delivery system where a single device can serve multiple functions and support multiple voltage requirements (120V, 240V, and various device voltages) through a modular circuit breaker assembly. Each circuit breaker can be independently configured for different voltage levels, allowing one device to universally power multiple different devices without requiring separate power supplies for each voltage type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution effectively minimizes energy wastage by eliminating the need for transformers and linear regulators, allowing for precise control of power delivery, reducing heat loss, and enabling remote operation to shut off devices during demand response times, thus significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency dependent reactive device which passes current at varying efficiency which is dependent on frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9520723B2Power device having multiple plug assemblies
Publication Date: 2016.12.13 SMART PRONG TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US9520723B2 patent drawing
  • US9520723B2 patent drawing
  • US9520723B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power device including a power circuit assembly, a first plug assembly, and a second plug assembly is described herein. The first plug assembly is coupled to the power circuit assembly for transmitting power from a power source to the power circuit assembly at a first voltage. The second plug assembly is coupled to the power circuit assembly for controllably transmitting power from the power source to the power circuit assembly at a second voltage and at a third voltage.