Replaceable Surge Protection Module With Failure Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surge protection systems in multi-hole extension sockets have limited capacity, cannot be replaced separately, and lack an early warning function, leading to safety risks and unnecessary replacements.
Innovation Solution
A surge protection system with detachable surge protection modules, a microcontroller unit, and a display element that allows for separate replacement and provides warnings when the module is damaged, featuring a surge absorption element and thermal fuse for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the surge protection element is integrated into the multi-hole extension socket as a non-replaceable component, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the cost-effectiveness and maintenance flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surge protection element is segmented from the multi-hole extension socket, creating an independent replaceable module. This allows the surge protection element to be replaced separately without replacing the entire socket, resolving the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity through modular design while improving maintenance flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The surge protection element is extracted as a separate functional module from the multi-hole extension socket. By taking out the surge protection element as an independent component with its own housing and terminal sets, the system enables separate replacement and maintenance of the surge protection function without affecting the socket structure.
2Ease of repair
If the surge protection element is designed as a replaceable module, then the cost-effectiveness and maintenance flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle body is designed with universal accommodating chambers that can host different surge protection modules. The standardized interface with signal terminal sets and power terminal sets creates a universal connection system, allowing the same receptacle body to work with various surge protection modules without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surge protection module is nested within the receptacle body through the accommodating chamber. The module's housing contains internal components (surge absorption element, memory element, display element) in a compact nested arrangement, while the entire module nests into the receptacle body, maintaining space efficiency despite the modular design.
3Device complexity
If no early warning function is provided, then the device complexity is kept low, but the safety and user awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display element uses color changes (light emission in different states) to indicate the operational status of the surge absorption element. When the surge absorption element is normal, the display element shows one state; when it needs replacement, the display element shows a different state, providing visual early warning without complex electronic circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The surge protection module performs self-diagnosis and self-warning functions. The memory element automatically records the number of surges absorbed, and the display element automatically indicates when replacement is needed, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems or complex warning circuits.
4Ease of manufacture
If the entire multi-hole extension socket must be replaced when the surge protection element fails, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the loss of substance and cost-effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a reusable receptacle body and a replaceable surge protection module. When the surge absorption element fails, only the module needs replacement while the receptacle body with its accommodating chambers and terminal sets can be reused, reducing material waste and improving cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables discarding only the failed surge protection module while recovering and reusing the receptacle body. The memory element records the service history of the absorbed surges, allowing the receptacle body to be reused with a new module, thereby reducing overall material consumption and waste.
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 cost-effective replacement of surge protection modules and provides users with advance warnings of failure, reducing safety risks and extending the system's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
The surge absorption element is configured to absorb a surge inputted from an external power supply through the power obtaining device, and the surge absorption element absorbs the surge to generate a temperature rise
Implementation Method 2
When the temperature rise exceeds a temperature tolerance range of the thermal fuse, the thermal fuse is blown, so that the surge protection circuit forms an open circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A surge protection system includes a receptacle body, at least one power output jack, a power obtaining device, at least one surge protection module, a microcontroller unit, and a surge detection circuit. The at least one surge protection module includes a housing, a memory element, and a surge protection circuit that includes a surge absorption element and a thermal fuse connected in series and parallel. The surge absorption element absorbs a surge inputted from an external power supply, and the memory element records a number of surges carried by the surge absorption element. When the surge enters the surge protection system from the external power supply, the surge absorption element absorbs the surge, and the surge detection circuit outputs a signal to the microcontroller unit that writes the number of surges carried by the surge absorption element into the memory element.