Reconfigurable utility power input with passive voltage booster

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transport climate control systems face challenges in accommodating different utility power voltages, requiring specific electrical component designs and wiring for 110V and 220V options, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for multiple configurations.

Innovation Solution

A transport climate control system with a passive boost circuit and a controller that determines the utility power source, allowing the system to operate in different configurations to accept either 110V or 220V power without needing separate electrical components or wiring, using a passive boost circuit to adjust voltage as necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different electrical component designs are used for different utility power voltages, then the system can operate reliably with specific voltage options, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable operation with specific voltageVSAvoidelectrical component design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrical component design that can operate with multiple utility power voltage options (110V and 220V) through a single configuration. The system uses a reconfigurable passive boost circuit that can be controlled to provide appropriate voltage transformation, eliminating the need for separate component designs for different voltage standards.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic reconfiguration mechanism where the passive boost circuit can be switched between different operational states based on the detected input voltage. The controller dynamically adjusts the circuit configuration to match the available utility power voltage, allowing the system to adapt to different voltage conditions without physical component changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If different electrical component designs are used for different utility power voltages, then the system can meet specific voltage requirements, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage requirement complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrical component design that can operate with multiple utility power voltage options (110V and 220V) through a single configuration. The system uses a reconfigurable passive boost circuit that can be controlled to provide appropriate voltage transformation, eliminating the need for separate component designs for different voltage standards.

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

3Device complexity

If a single electrical component design is used for multiple utility power options, then the device complexity and costs are reduced, but the system must adapt to different voltage conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical component design complexityVSAvoidvoltage option adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic reconfiguration mechanism where the passive boost circuit can be switched between different operational states based on the detected input voltage. The controller dynamically adjusts the circuit configuration to match the available utility power voltage, allowing the system to adapt to different voltage conditions without physical component changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the passive boost circuit based on the input voltage detected from the utility power source. By adjusting the circuit configuration and control parameters, the system can accommodate different voltage inputs (110V or 220V) and transform them to the appropriate operating voltage for the climate control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If voltage boosting is applied to accommodate low voltage inputs, then the system can operate with 110V utility power, but the input voltage that must be boosted is lower than the working voltage requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow voltage input compatibilityVSAvoidinput voltage vs working voltage mismatch
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary voltage transformation through the passive boost circuit before the power reaches the motor and compressor components. By pre-boosting the voltage from the utility power source, the system ensures that the motor receives sufficient voltage to overcome back electromotive force and operate effectively, even when the input voltage is lower than the working voltage requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables a single configuration to handle multiple utility power options, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs by allowing connection to various power supplies without requiring different electrical components or set wiring, ensuring optimal performance across different voltage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a passive boost circuit and a load connected to the passive boost circuit and configured to receive power from the passive boost circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3647091A1Reconfigurable utility power input with passive voltage booster
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 THERMO KING CORP
  • EP3647091A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3647091A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3647091A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Methods and systems for reconfigurable utility power with passive voltage booster for a transport climate control system are provided. The transport climate control system includes a passive boost circuit. The system also includes a controller configured to determine whether the passive boost circuit is connected to one of a first utility power and a second utility power. The controller instructs the passive boost circuit to operate in a first configuration when the passive boost circuit is connected to the first utility power and instructs the passive boost circuit to operate in a second configuration when the passive boost circuit is connected to the second utility power. The system further includes a load such as a motor. The load can drive a device such as a compressor, a fan, etc. The load is connected to the passive boost circuit and configured to receive power from the passive boost circuit.