Power Supply Lifespan Display with Switchable Metrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power-supply devices either display accumulated operation time or remaining lifespan time, but not both, limiting user insight into the device's operational lifespan and requiring replacement if switching is needed.

Innovation Solution

A power-supply device with a timing section to track operation time, a computing section to calculate and display both accumulated operation time and remaining lifespan time, and a display section to switch between these metrics based on user input or external communication signals, also calculating and displaying the remaining lifespan ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the device displays only remaining lifespan time, then the user can understand how much time is left before replacement is needed, but the user cannot obtain information about the accumulated operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan informationVSAvoiddisplay flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display section is designed to perform multiple functions by displaying different lifespan information based on user selection. It can display accumulated operation time, remaining lifespan time, or both simultaneously, making the single display section universal for different information needs without requiring separate display devices

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

2Loss of information

If the device displays only accumulated operation time, then the user can track total usage, but the user cannot know the remaining lifespan time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation time informationVSAvoiddisplay flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display section serves multiple purposes by being capable of showing different types of lifespan information. Through user input or automatic switching, it can display accumulated operation time for tracking total usage, remaining lifespan time for maintenance planning, or both together for comprehensive monitoring

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

3Device complexity

If the device provides only one type of lifespan display, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot switch between different lifespan information types without replacing the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay system complexityVSAvoiddisplay switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display section incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to change its display content based on user needs. An input section detects user commands or automatic conditions, and the display dynamically switches between showing accumulated operation time, remaining lifespan time, or both, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed display systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the device displays only accumulated operation time or remaining lifespan time separately, then the display section remains simple, but the user cannot understand the difference between operational time and remaining lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay section complexityVSAvoidlifespan understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display section merges the display of accumulated operation time and remaining lifespan time into a single unified interface. Users can select to view both types of information together or separately, allowing comprehensive understanding of device lifespan status without requiring multiple separate display sections or devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3376321B1Power-supply device
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 OMRON CORP
  • EP3376321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376321B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided is a power-supply device (100) in which a difference between a time for which the device has been operated and an actual estimate of a remaining lifespan time can be understood. The power-supply device (100) includes a power-supply section (10), a timing circuit (21), a computing circuit (22), and a display circuit (23). The timing circuit (21) checks an operation time of the power-supply section (10). The computing circuit (22) accumulates the operation time checked by the timing circuit (21) to calculate an accumulated operation time, and computes a remaining lifespan time based on information from the power-supply section (10). The display circuit (23) enables display of the accumulated operation time and the remaining lifespan time as information about the lifespan of the power-supply section (10).