Universal DC Power Adaptor for Multi-Radio External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military personnel face challenges with existing DC power adaptors for radios, including reduced battery charge capacity utilization, increased weight and carrying load, frequent battery changes, and high frequency interference, which affect communication reliability and efficiency during operations.
Innovation Solution
A universal DC power adaptor with a heat-shielding material, programmable control electronics, and a power conditioning module that allows radios to be powered by an external DC source, reducing weight, enhancing ergonomic comfort, and minimizing radio interference through proper shielding and alignment features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a DC power adaptor is used to power radios externally, then battery weight and carrying load are reduced, but battery charge capacity utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power adaptor is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple radio models (PRC-148, PRC-152, and Handheld ISR Transceiver) through standardized mounting features and programmable voltage control, allowing a single adaptor design to serve multiple functions across different devices while reducing the need for multiple specialized adaptors
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend run time, then operational duration is improved, but weight and carrying load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power adaptor serves as an intermediary device between external power sources and radios, enabling extended operational duration without requiring larger batteries in the radios themselves. The adaptor handles power conversion and management externally, allowing the radios to maintain their original weight while achieving extended run times through the external power source
3Weight of moving object
If DC power adaptor is implemented, then weight is reduced, but high frequency interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses high frequency interference by implementing proper shielding and alignment features in the DC power adaptor design. These features convert the potential harmful effect of electromagnetic interference into a controlled situation where the shielding materials and precise alignment actually protect the radio communications while maintaining the weight reduction benefits of external power sourcing
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
The universal DC power adaptor increases the weight-to-run time ratio of batteries, reduces the need for frequent battery changes, and minimizes radio interference, thereby enhancing communication reliability and operational efficiency for military personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of heat-shielding or blocking, heat-dissipating and/or heat signature-reducing material
Implementation Method 2
heat-dissipating and/or heat signature-reducing material
Data Source
AI summary
A universal DC power adaptor for a PRC-148 radio, a PRC-152 radio, a Handheld ISR Transceiver, and similar devices and a method of using the same, is disclosed. The universal DC power adaptor includes mounting and locking features that are common to both the PRC-148 radio and the PRC-152 radio. The universal DC power adaptor further includes certain mounting and locking features that are unique to the PRC-148 radio and other mounting and locking features that are unique to the PRC-152 radio. The universal DC power adaptor also provides an output voltage suitable for both the PRC-148 and PRC-152 radios. Such features also are compatible with the Handheld ISR Transceiver, making the universal DC power adaptor compatible with the ISR Transceiver as well. Additionally, the universal DC power adaptor includes programmable control electronics.