Standby Mode Voltage Supply Segmentation for Domestic Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances face challenges in minimizing energy consumption in standby mode due to the energy requirements of power packs and integrated circuits, which increases costs and complexity, while also requiring specific circuit selection to reduce energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A domestic appliance design that includes a separate voltage supply means connected in parallel to the main supply unit, allowing the main supply unit to be isolated from the mains connection in standby mode, using an electrical switch to decouple the output and reduce energy consumption, and enabling the use of any electronic components without integrated standby functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If integrated circuits with standby functionality are used to reduce energy consumption in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but circuit costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a main power supply unit and separate voltage supply means. The main power supply unit can be completely switched off in standby mode, while only the minimal voltage supply means remain active to provide power for switching back to operating mode. This segmentation allows reduction of energy consumption without requiring complex standby functionality in all circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential standby functionality is extracted from complex integrated circuits with standby modes and implemented through a simple electrical switch controlled by minimal voltage supply means. This removes the need for expensive and complex standby-capable ICs while achieving the same energy reduction effect.
2Use of energy by moving object
If integrated circuits with standby functionality are used to reduce energy consumption in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but circuit costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive integrated circuits with standby functionality, the invention employs cheap electrical switches and minimal voltage supply means that can completely power down the main power supply unit. This substitution of expensive components with cheaper alternatives achieves the same energy reduction goal at lower cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the main supply unit is completely switched off in standby mode to minimize energy consumption, then energy consumption is minimized, but the appliance cannot be quickly reactivated without reset
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage supply means are maintained in a ready state to immediately provide the voltage required for switching the main power supply unit back to operating mode. This preliminary maintenance of minimal supply capability ensures that reactivation can occur instantly without reset procedures, eliminating the time loss that would otherwise occur.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrical switches are used to isolate the main supply unit in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical switch acts as an intermediary between the voltage supply means and the main power supply unit. This simple intermediary component enables complete isolation of the main supply unit for energy reduction while adding minimal complexity compared to integrated circuits with standby functionality. The switch provides clear on/off control without the complexity of active standby management.
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 approach minimizes energy consumption in standby mode by isolating the main supply unit from the mains connection, allowing for flexible component selection and reducing overall energy usage, while also enabling retrofitting of existing appliances to include a standby mode.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical switch is provided by means of which at least the output of the main supply unit (7) can be isolated from the mains connection (2) in standby mode
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance includes a mains connection at which an electrical mains voltage can be applied relative to a reference potential, a main supply unit supplying an electrical operating voltage from the mains voltage at its output, and at least one electrical consumer receiving the operating voltage. An electrical switch electrically isolates at least the output of the main supply unit from the mains connection, when the domestic appliance is in a standby mode. Provided separate from the main supply unit is a voltage supply which is coupled to the mains connection and which taps the mains voltage at the mains connection in the standby mode and supplies a supply voltage from the mains voltage for switching the electrical switch to an electrically conducting switching state to thereby switch the domestic appliance from the standby mode to an operating mode.