Dual AC/DC RV Outlet Layout for Conversion Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face inefficiencies in power usage due to the need for AC-to-DC power conversion, leading to energy loss when using onboard batteries for portable electronic devices, as they require conversion from low voltage DC to high voltage AC and back to DC, especially when not connected to a continuous AC power source.

Innovation Solution

An electrical power outlet with both AC and DC receptacles that can be energized independently, allowing DC power to be supplied directly from the onboard battery without AC conversion when AC power is unavailable, using a combination of high voltage AC and low voltage DC conductors and an AC-to-DC converter for efficient DC power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If AC-to-DC power conversion is used to supply power to portable electronic devices from onboard batteries, then devices can be charged, but energy loss occurs due to conversion from low voltage DC to high voltage AC and back to DC

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from AC-to-DC conversionVSAvoidpower supply capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical outlet is segmented into separate AC and DC receptacles, allowing independent selection of power sources. The DC receptacle provides direct DC power from onboard batteries, while the AC receptacle provides AC power when available. This segmentation eliminates the need for AC-to-DC conversion when only DC devices are used, reducing energy loss while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical outlet system is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both AC-powered and DC-powered devices. By providing both AC and DC receptacles in the same outlet assembly, the system can universally serve different device types without requiring separate charging solutions, thereby reducing energy loss without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle's onboard battery's low voltage DC output is converted to high voltage AC power at the vehicle's electrical inverter, then AC power is available at the outlet, but energy efficiency decreases due to double conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpower outlet functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical outlet system dynamically adapts its power delivery based on available power sources and device requirements. The system can switch between AC and DC power modes, and between different DC voltage levels (12V and 5V), optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automatic or manual selection of appropriate power modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes electrical parameters (voltage and current type) based on operational conditions. It can operate in AC mode (110V/220V), DC mode (12V), or USB mode (5V), allowing parameter optimization for energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized receptacle designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If only AC receptacles are provided in recreational vehicles, then AC power can be supplied, but DC power access requires external converters and energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from external AC-to-DC convertersVSAvoidoutlet configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges AC and DC receptacles into a single integrated electrical outlet assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate external AC-to-DC converters by providing native DC power directly at the outlet, reducing energy loss while the integrated design minimizes the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides continuous access to DC power in recreational vehicles without energy losses from AC-to-DC conversion, ensuring power availability even off-grid, reducing the need for external converters and enhancing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an AC-to-DC transformer or other AC-to-DC converter may be used to transform the high voltage AC power to low voltage DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC-to-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the DC power may be converted to high voltage AC power by an electrical inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC-to-AC inversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12107430B2AC and DC electrical outlet

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 BYRNE NORMAN R

AI summary

An electrical outlet for a recreational vehicle includes a high voltage AC electrical power receptacle and a low voltage DC electrical power receptacle that is powered independently of the high voltage AC receptacle so that the DC receptacle can remain energized when the AC receptacle is disconnected from an AC power supply. The DC and AC receptacles, located at the same electrical outlet, are wired separately to different power sources. This allows the recreational vehicle's electrical storage batteries to continue energizing the DC receptacle, at the same outlet as the AC receptacle, even when it is not possible or desirable to energize the AC receptacle. Therefore, limited functionality can be maintained at the outlet even when no AC mains, onboard generator, or AC-to-DC inverter is connected or in operation.