String Light Power Supply Voltage Grading Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transformer designs for string lights integrated into AC power plugs pose safety risks due to restricted switch locations, potential electrical shock, and difficulty in waterproofing, as well as complex wiring arrangements with additional signal wires.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a power cable, switching circuit, and power transformer where the switching circuit is separated from the power transformer, allowing voltage grading between wires to control PWM signals, and featuring normally open switches and a control circuit that detects voltage grading to modulate driving power, enabling safer and more versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power transformer is integrated into the AC power plug, then the device structure is compact, but the user may be shocked by the domestic AC power socket when operating switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two separate parts: the power transformer integrated into the AC power plug and the control circuit with switches separated into an independent controller. This segmentation allows the user to operate switches away from the dangerous AC power socket area, eliminating electrical shock risk while maintaining compact power transformation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit and switches are extracted from the AC power plug housing and placed in a separate independent controller. This extraction removes the harmful factor (user proximity to AC socket during operation) while preserving the essential power transformation function in the plug.
2Volume of moving object
If the power transformer is integrated into the AC power plug, then the device structure is compact, but waterproof design is difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a power transformer module and a separate control circuit, the patent enables independent waterproofing of each component. The control circuit can be placed in a waterproof container or integrated with the string light fixture where waterproofing is feasible, while the power transformer remains in the AC plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is extracted from the AC power plug, allowing it to be separately enclosed in waterproof structures or integrated with the string light housing where waterproofing can be effectively implemented, overcoming the limitation of integrating controls within the plug housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control circuit is disposed in another casing to form an independent controller, then the switch operation location is flexible, but additional signal wires are required which complexes the wiring arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is extracted from the power transformer and placed in a separate independent controller, enabling flexible switch operation locations. The control circuit can be positioned anywhere along the power cable or integrated with the string light fixture, providing adaptability while using existing power and control wire connections.
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 design prevents user shock from AC power sockets, facilitates waterproofing, and simplifies wiring by allowing switch placement anywhere on the power cable, enhancing safety and product diversity.
Implementation Method 1
a power transforming circuit and a control circuit. The power transforming circuit includes an input terminal and an output terminal. The power transforming circuit receives an external power via the input terminal, transforms the external power into a driving power
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit is electrically connected to the power transforming circuit and the two wires. The control circuit detects a voltage grading status between the two wires, and generates a switch signal according to the voltage grading status to the power transforming circuit to modulate the driving power
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus for string light includes a power cable, a switching circuit, and a power transformer. The switching circuit is electrically connected to the two wires and configured to selectively form a voltage grading between the two wires. The power transformer includes a power transforming circuit and a control circuit. The power transforming circuit receives an external power via an input terminal, transforms the external power into a driving power, and outputs the driving power via an output terminal. The receiving end of the power cable is electrically connected to the output terminal. The control circuit is electrically connected to the power transforming circuit and the two wires. The control circuit detects a voltage grading status between the two wires, and generates a switch signal according to the voltage grading status to the power transforming circuit to modulate the driving power.