Power Output Control Module for Surge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distributors face issues with surge or inrush currents when the AC power source resumes, causing potential damage to electronic devices due to the design of latch relays that consume more power and remain closed even without power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power output control module that includes at least one latch relay, a relay driver, an AC power detection circuit, a processor, and a power storing device, which continuously monitors the AC power source and controls the latch relay to open during power outages, preventing surge currents and enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If latch relays are used to maintain closed state without power supply, then power effectiveness is improved, but surge current or inrush current is generated when AC power source resumes
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power detection circuit continuously monitors the AC power source status before the surge current issue occurs. When power restoration is detected, the system proactively opens the latch relay switch before any surge current can enter the electronic device, preventing the harmful effect while maintaining the power-effective latch relay design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the AC power detection circuit continuously monitors power source status and provides real-time information to the relay driver. This feedback loop enables the relay to respond dynamically to power restoration events, opening the switch at the appropriate moment to prevent surge current while maintaining closed state during normal operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional relays are used to control power supply, then surge current can be prevented, but more electrical power is consumed to maintain closed state
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power detection circuit serves as an intermediary between the power source and the latch relay. It monitors power status and triggers the relay driver to open the relay switch when power restoration is detected, preventing surge current without requiring continuous power consumption to maintain the open state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of power restoration status before surge current can occur. By detecting power restoration in advance and proactively opening the relay switch, the system prevents surge current while using minimal power, as the relay only consumes power momentarily during switching operations rather than continuously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If latch relays remain closed during power outage, then power effectiveness is improved, but safety and reliability of electronic devices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power detection circuit provides continuous feedback on power source status to the relay driver. When power restoration is detected, this feedback triggers the relay to open the switch, ensuring safety and reliability by preventing surge current from reaching electronic devices while maintaining the power-effective latch relay design during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring power status and proactively opening the relay switch upon detecting power restoration. This preliminary detection and response mechanism ensures device safety and reliability by preventing surge current before it can cause damage, while maintaining latch relay power effectiveness during outages.
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 effectively prevents surge or inrush currents from entering electronic devices when the AC power source resumes, thereby increasing the safety and reliability of the devices by ensuring the latch relays remain open during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
an AC power detection circuit connected to the AC power source to detect whether the AC power source is supplying electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The relay in early power distributors requires electrical power to maintain an excitation coil inside the relay for a switch inside the relay to stay closed through magnetic attraction
Implementation Method 3
a power storing device connected to the DC power path, the at least one relay driver, and the processor for storing the electrical power and providing the stored electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A power output control module for power distribution is installed inside a power distributor that is connected to an AC power source and multiple electronic devices to control the AC power outputted to the electronic devices. The power output control module continuously detects whether the AC power inputted is normal. When the AC power source is disconnected by accident, a latch relay is controlled to switch to be open, so that the AC power source and the electronic devices are disconnected. This prevents the instantaneous surge current from damaging the electronic devices when the AC power source resumes its normal output and also increases the safety and reliability of electronic devices.