Single-Plug Power Cord for Parallel AC/DC Climate Control Power

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport climate control systems require multiple power cords and plugs to connect to both AC and DC power sources, necessitating complex and inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

An optimized power cord with a single plug that can simultaneously provide both AC and DC power to electrically powered accessories, reducing the need for multiple connections and allowing parallel power reception without modifying the accessory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple power cords and plugs are used to connect to AC and DC power sources, then reliable power supply is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower cord complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power cords (AC and DC) into a single integrated power cord that can simultaneously connect to both power sources. The single plug incorporates both AC and DC connection capabilities, eliminating the need for separate cords and plugs while maintaining reliable power supply to the transport climate control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power cord is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both AC and DC power transmission. The plug structure incorporates universal connection elements that can interface with different power sources (AC outlet and DC battery), allowing one cord to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple power cords and plugs are used to connect to AC and DC power sources, then reliable power supply is achieved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower connection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power cords (AC and DC) into a single integrated power cord that can simultaneously connect to both power sources. The single plug incorporates both AC and DC connection capabilities, eliminating the need for separate cords and plugs while maintaining reliable power supply to the transport climate control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power cord is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both AC and DC power transmission. The plug structure incorporates universal connection elements that can interface with different power sources (AC outlet and DC battery), allowing one cord to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate AC and DC power cords are used, then adaptability to different power sources is achieved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source adaptabilityVSAvoidpower cord quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single power cord is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both AC and DC power transmission. The plug structure incorporates universal connection elements that can interface with different power sources (AC outlet and DC battery), allowing one cord to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized cords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple power cords (AC and DC) into a single integrated power cord that can simultaneously connect to both power sources. The single plug incorporates both AC and DC connection capabilities, eliminating the need for separate cords and plugs while maintaining reliable power supply to the transport climate control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4707048A1Optimized power cord for transferring power to a transport climate control system

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 THERMO KING CORP

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Figure 1C

AI summary

A power cord for transferring power to an electrically powered accessory configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container is provided. The power cord includes a DC wire portion, an AC wire portion, and a single plug at one end of the power cord. The DC wire portion provides DC power to the electrically powered accessory. The AC wire portion provides AC power to the electrically powered accessory. The DC wire portion and the AC wire portion each have a first end and a second end. The single plug is connected to the first end of the DC wire portion and connected to the first end of the AC wire portion and includes an AC contact arrangement, a DC contact arrangement, and a communication contact arrangement.