SMPS Controller for Bottled Water Dispenser Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bottled water systems experience power loss and heating issues due to transformers remaining powered during pump off conditions and require larger transformers to handle motor inrush, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple models to accommodate different voltages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of switched-mode power supply (SMPS) technology with a controller that receives signaling for pressure, fluid level, and motor temperature to shut off power efficiently, reducing component count and transformer size, and using advanced algorithms for inrush current control and protection features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional transformer is used to power the pump, then the pump can operate, but the transformer continues to draw power and heat up when the pump is shut off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transformer power state changeable - the transformer is powered on only when the pump is running and powered off when the pump is shut off. This dynamic power state adjustment eliminates continuous power loss and heating, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and thermal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the pump's operational state to control the transformer power state. The controller monitors whether the pump is running and accordingly switches the transformer power on or off, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents energy waste and thermal issues.
2Reliability
If a larger transformer is used to handle motor inrush, then the pump can start reliably, but the transformer size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using an inrush current controller that activates before the pump motor starts, limiting the inrush current to a safe level. This preliminary current management allows the use of a smaller transformer while maintaining reliable motor startup, resolving the contradiction between startup reliability and transformer size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the current parameter during startup by using an inrush current controller to limit and shape the inrush current profile. This parameter control allows the transformer to be sized for normal operation rather than peak inrush, reducing transformer volume while maintaining startup reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models are created to accommodate different voltages, then the system can work in various markets, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the power supply system with a universal transformer that can operate across multiple voltage ranges (e.g., 110V and 220V). This single multi-functional transformer eliminates the need for multiple voltage-specific models, reducing device complexity while maintaining market adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic voltage adaptation where the power supply system can switch between different voltage inputs dynamically. This dynamic capability allows one model to serve multiple voltage requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-voltage models and simplifying the product line.
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
This solution minimizes power and heat consumption during no-load conditions, reduces transformer size, and allows for a single model to accommodate multiple voltages, enhancing efficiency and extending pump life while providing advanced protection and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
switched-mode power supply technology (also known as switching-mode power supply, SMPS, or simply switcher) is known in the art, and may take the form of an electronic power supply that incorporates a switching regulator in order to be highly efficient in the conversion of electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a pump that provides fluid from a container, e.g., a reservoir of fluid such as water, to some other device
Implementation Method 3
a pressure switch configured to sense the pressure at the outlet of the pump and provide a pressure switch signal
Implementation Method 4
a float switch configured to sense the fluid level in the container and provide a float switch signal
Implementation Method 5
a temperature switch configured to sense the temperature of the motor and provide a temperature switch signal
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus is provided featuring a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) having a power circuit component in combination with a SMPS controller. The power circuit component may be configured to provide power to a pump that provides fluid from a container to some other device, including an appliance. The SMPS controller may be configured to receive signaling containing information about at least one control parameter selected from a group including a pressure at an outlet of the pump, a fluid level in the container and the temperature of a motor of the pump, and also may be configured to shut off the power provided to the pump based at least partly on the signaling received so that the power circuit component substantially does not draw power and heat up when the pump is shut off.