Universal Power Supply with Manual Voltage Selection and Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal power supplies are cumbersome and costly due to the complexity and expense of feedback circuitry, requiring multiple power supplies for different electronic devices and often causing confusion and risk of incorrect voltage usage.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a switch-based power circuit that generates multiple output voltages without the need for feedback circuitry, using a single output connector with distinct electrical contacts and connector tips to select the appropriate voltage for different devices, and a voltage output indicator to ensure correct usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feedback circuitry is used to enable a single power supply to work with multiple devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feedback circuitry component entirely from the power supply system. Instead of using complex feedback mechanisms to detect and adapt to different devices, the invention uses a simple switch-based voltage selection system where the user manually selects the appropriate voltage output using a slide switch or push button, thereby eliminating the need for feedback circuitry while maintaining multi-device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system requires user input through a switch mechanism to select the desired voltage output. The system does not automatically detect or adapt to the connected device; instead, it relies on the user to manually configure the appropriate voltage setting, transferring the adaptation function from automated feedback circuitry to user action
2Adaptability or versatility
If feedback circuitry with IC chips is used to provide multiple output voltages, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive IC chips and feedback circuitry with inexpensive switch components (slide switches or push buttons) and basic voltage regulation circuitry. The solution uses simple, low-cost components that can be easily manufactured and replaced, achieving multiple voltage output capability without the high manufacturing costs associated with integrated feedback systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the expensive IC chip and feedback circuitry from the system, replacing them with simple switch-based voltage selection mechanisms. This extraction of complex components significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to provide multiple output voltages through manual user selection
3Measurement precision
If multiple power supplies are used for different electronic devices, then voltage matching precision is improved, but portability and convenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power supply that can work with multiple different electronic devices by providing multiple selectable voltage outputs (12V, 24V, 48V). A single power supply unit with a switch mechanism replaces the need for multiple device-specific power supplies, improving portability and convenience while maintaining precise voltage matching through manual selection
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.