Reverse Power Y-Adapter with Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters for marine vessels face challenges in providing reliable high voltage from dockside power centers, including improper voltage and phase connections, potential electrical shocks, overcurrent issues, and equipment overheating, due to inadequate design and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A Y-adapter with polarity sensitive current isolation devices and a control section that ensures correct phase alignment and voltage output, using optocouplers and rectifiers to isolate and regulate voltage, while preventing electrical shocks and overcurrent conditions through independent monitoring and phase detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple Y-adapter is used to connect two 120V receptacles to provide 240V output, then the equipment can be connected to power, but electrical shock hazards exist and voltage/phase alignment cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device between the user and the electrical connections that actively monitors voltage and phase conditions. This intermediary controller detects the electrical state of connected receptacles and controls relay switching to prevent shock hazards while ensuring proper 240V output, thus resolving the contradiction between simple connection and safety.
2Device complexity
If a Y-adapter without monitoring is used, then the adapter is simple and inexpensive, but improper voltage and phase connections cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical connection elements with electronically monitored switching elements. Relays controlled by voltage and phase detection circuitry substitute for basic plug-and-play connectors, enabling precise measurement of electrical conditions while maintaining automated connection functionality.
3Power
If the adapter allows high current flow without protection, then power delivery is maximized, but overcurrent and overheating problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through voltage and temperature sensors that continuously monitor the electrical conditions. When overcurrent or overheating conditions are detected, the controller automatically opens relay contacts to interrupt power flow, thus protecting the system while allowing maximum safe power delivery during normal operation.
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 reliable connection for high voltage equipment, preventing electrical shocks and overheating by ensuring correct voltage and phase alignment, and limiting current to prevent equipment damage, thus ensuring efficient and safe power supply to marine vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter includes a control section with an optocoupler that isolates the input circuit from the output circuit while allowing signal transmission
Implementation Method 2
The adapter includes a rectifier that converts the input voltage to a controlled output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power Y-adapter provides power at a high voltage to an output end from at least two input ends to which power of a lower voltage and a phase difference is provided and includes a first polarity sensitive current isolation device, a second polarity sensitive current isolation device, a control section, and an output section. When the voltage signals supplied to the hot wire terminals of the first input connector and the second input connector sufficiently are out of phase, the Y-adapter can produce a voltage of higher magnitude between the first and the second hot wire terminals of the output connector.