Power Supply Apparatus Manual Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply apparatuses that can receive multiple AC voltages are complex and costly due to the complexity of the switching control circuit, making them expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a rectifying circuit, multiple inverters, and a connecting circuit that uses a manually operable inverter connection indicative signal generating circuit and a judging circuit to select the appropriate inverter connection based on the applied AC voltage, ensuring the inverters are connected in series or parallel to supply a predetermined voltage, and includes a normally open switch and alarm circuit for voltage matching verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching control circuit is used to automatically detect and switch between series and parallel connections of inverters, then the power supply apparatus can automatically adapt to different AC voltages, but the circuit complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by requiring the user to manually select the AC voltage type (200V or 400V) using a selector switch, thereby eliminating the need for complex automatic detection and switching control circuits. The user themselves performs the function of voltage type selection, simplifying the overall control circuitry while maintaining adaptability to different voltage inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the automatic voltage detection and switching control functions from the system, removing the complex control circuitry entirely. Instead, it retains only the essential manual selection mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the core functionality of adapting to different AC voltages.
2Ease of operation
If a complex switching control circuit with automatic detection is implemented, then the power supply apparatus can automatically configure inverter connections, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user manually performs the configuration selection through a simple selector switch, eliminating the need for expensive automatic detection and control circuits. This manual self-service approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation through a straightforward selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex electronic control circuits with a simple, inexpensive manual selector switch. This substitution dramatically reduces the bill of materials cost and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the essential functionality of inverter connection configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple switches and a latch circuit are used for voltage detection and switching, then the power supply apparatus can accurately respond to voltage changes, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex voltage detection and automatic switching control circuits, including multiple switches and latch circuits. Instead, it relies on manual user selection, thereby eliminating the source of complexity while preserving the essential ability to respond to different voltage conditions through user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The user manually performs the voltage type selection, eliminating the need for complex automatic detection circuits. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring the correct configuration is selected, while dramatically simplifying the device structure and reducing component count.
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 simplifies the switching mechanism, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures stable operation by matching the inverter connection indicative signals with the applied AC voltage, allowing for efficient power supply regardless of the input voltage.
Implementation Method 1
A rectifying circuit (6) rectifies the AC voltage supplied thereto from the power supply terminals (2a, 2b, 2c) and develops a rectified voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the supplied AC voltage between two output terminals (6P, 6N)
Implementation Method 2
A normally open switch (8) is disposed in the path extending between the two output terminals (6P, 6N) of the rectifying circuit (6) and the plurality of inverters (16a, 16b)... The normally open switch (8) is closed when it receives a CLOSE signal
Data Source
AI summary
One of a plurality of voltages is adapted to be applied to power supply terminals (2a, 2b, 2c). A rectifying circuit (6) rectifies the applied voltage and develops a rectified voltage between the output terminals (6a, 6b) thereof. Inverters (16a, 16b) are connected into one of a plurality of inverter connections between the rectifier output terminals (6a, 6b) in response to one of a plurality of inverter connection indicative signals. The inverter connections are set to correspond to respective ones of the plurality of voltages, so that a predetermined voltage can be applied to each inverter whichever one of the plurality of voltages is applied to the power supply terminals. An inverter connection indicative signal generating circuit (34) is manually operated to generate a desired one of the inverter connection indicative signals. A thyristor (8) is disposed between the rectifier output terminals (6a, 6b) and the inverters (16a, 16b). When one of the plurality of voltages is applied to the power supply terminals, a voltage detecting circuit (38) generates an inverter connection indicative signal corresponding to the voltage applied to the power supply terminals. A judging unit (26d) determines whether or not the inverter connection indicative signals from the voltage detecting circuit (38) and the inverter connection indicative signal generating circuit (34) match. When the two signals match, a thyristor control unit (26a) provides a CLOSE signal to the thyristor (8). When the two signals do not match, an alarm circuit (42) is activated.