Sample Cooling Transformer Switching for Multi-Voltage Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sample cooling devices for histological samples require multiple variants due to differing line voltages across countries, leading to high production and administrative costs, as well as the risk of damage from incorrect voltage supply.
Innovation Solution
A sample cooling device with a transformer having multiple coil pickoffs and a switching mechanism that adjusts connections based on measured input line voltage, ensuring a constant output voltage regardless of input voltage, eliminating the need for multiple compressor variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample cooling device variants with differently configured compressors are provided for different line voltages, then the device can be adapted to various countries' power networks, but production costs and administrative costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single sample cooling device that can operate with multiple line voltages (100V, 120V, 220V, 240V) through a universal compressor configured with multiple coil pickoffs. The device universally handles different power network standards without requiring country-specific variants, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the electrical connection parameters through the transformer's coil pickoffs. By changing which coil pickoffs are connected to the power network based on the detected line voltage, the device adapts its electrical parameters to match different power standards, enabling single-device operation across multiple voltage environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample cooling device variants with differently configured compressors are provided for different line voltages, then the device can be adapted to various countries' power networks, but administrative and logistical costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple country-specific variants. A single universal device design with a configurable transformer system handles all line voltage requirements, simplifying administrative and logistical management while maintaining full adaptability to different power networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through automatic voltage detection and corresponding switching of coil pickoff connections. The device dynamically adjusts its configuration based on the detected line voltage, replacing the need for multiple static device variants with a single dynamic system that adapts to different operating conditions.
3Reliability
If a compressor is supplied with incorrect line voltage, then the device may become damaged, but providing multiple variants increases the risk of wrong voltage supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a measuring apparatus that detects the line voltage magnitude and provides this information to control which coil pickoffs are connected. This feedback mechanism ensures the compressor receives the correct voltage by automatically adjusting the transformer configuration based on real-time voltage detection, protecting against damage while maintaining compatibility with different line voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the line voltage before the compressor operates and pre-configuring the appropriate coil pickoff connections. This preliminary detection and configuration step ensures the correct voltage is supplied to the compressor before operation begins, preventing damage while maintaining adaptability to various power networks.
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 the use of sample cooling devices across various countries with different line voltages, reducing costs and preventing damage from mismatched voltages, while maintaining a consistent compressor operation with a predefined output voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer (3) having a primary coil (31) that comprises at least three coil pickoffs (30 to 34), and a secondary coil (35)
Data Source
AI summary
A sample cooling device for histological samples is connectable to a power network for supplying electrical voltage to the device. The sample cooling device comprises a measuring apparatus for measuring a magnitude of an input line voltage present at the sample cooling device, and a transformer having a primary coil that comprises at least three coil pickoffs, and a secondary coil. The sample cooling device further comprises a switching means that connects two of the coil pickoffs to the power network as a function of the magnitude of the input line voltage, so that a magnitude of an output voltage present at the secondary coil has a predefined or predefinable voltage value irrespective of the magnitude of the input voltage. A corresponding method for supplying electrical power to a sample cooling device for histological samples is also disclosed.