Relocatable Power Tap with Ground-Neutral Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare facilities face challenges with inadequate electrical power outlets, leading to the use of non-certified relocatable power taps (RPTs) or hazardous cord configurations, as certified RPTs are not intended for healthcare use due to concerns over electrical shock hazards and polarity reversals.
Innovation Solution
A hospital-grade RPT with a fault detection system that cuts off power in case of ground faults or polarity reversals, incorporating a power supply that converts AC to DC and uses current-controlled switches to ensure safe power distribution to receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a relocatable power tap is used to provide additional electrical outlets, then the quantity of available power outlets is improved, but the risk of electrical shock hazards and ground faults worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a ground-neutral fault detector that performs preliminary detection of ground faults and polarity reversals before power is supplied to receptacles. The detector circuit monitors the electrical conditions and prevents power delivery when faults are detected, thereby eliminating electrical shock hazards while maintaining the benefit of additional outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault detector circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the receptacles. It intermediates the power flow by detecting ground faults and polarity reversals, and only allows power transmission when conditions are safe, thus resolving the contradiction between providing power access and preventing electrical hazards.
2Reliability
If a fault detection system is added to the relocatable power tap, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection system is designed to be self-contained within the RPT device, with the detector circuit automatically monitoring electrical conditions and controlling power delivery without external intervention. This self-service approach improves electrical safety while minimizing the need for additional complex external safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault detector circuit is integrated into the existing RPT structure, combining safety monitoring functions with the power distribution device. This merging approach adds necessary safety functionality while avoiding the complexity of separate standalone safety systems.
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 provides a safe and compliant power distribution system that reduces electrical shock hazards and tripping hazards, meeting NEC and UL standards by preventing power delivery in faulty conditions, thus ensuring safe operation of medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply configured to convert an AC power signal to a DC power signal
Implementation Method 2
A fault detector is connected to the plug and configured to determine the existence of ground and polarity faults
Implementation Method 3
A power switch is controlled by the detector, connected to the power supply, and configured to provide AC power from a source to the at least one receptacle according to whether the fault detector determines whether a fault exists
Data Source
AI summary
A relocatable power tap having a plug configured to connect to a source of AC power and at least one receptacle. The relocatable power tap also includes a power supply connected to the plug and configured to convert an AC signal to a DC signal, and a detector connected to the plug and configured to determine the existence of ground and polarity faults. The detector includes a first current-controlled switch configured to turn on if an open ground or polarity fault exists. A power switch is controlled by the detector. The power switch is connected to the power supply, and configured to communicate AC power from the source of AC power to the at least one receptacle based on whether a ground or polarity fault exists.