Patent Application
20060054717
The present invention relates to computer controlled consumer electronics devices or instruments, such as laptop computers, speakers, printers, wireless routers, and the like, and specifically to the AC/DC conversion necessary for these electronic devices to function.
The past decade has been marked by a technological revolution driven by the convergence of the data processing industry with the consumer electronics industry. The effect has, in turn, driven technologies that have been known and available but relatively quiescent over the years to now come into great demand in the marketplace.
The rapid expansion in the capacity of computers to perform support functions, the increase in availability of various equipment components, such as laptop computers, printers, speakers, wireless routers, and the like. A key aspect of this expansion has been an increase in output cords and a shortage in available outlets into which users can plug their equipment. In fact, many users are forced to choose which components they can plug in at one time due to the lack of available outlets. Another hindrance with the current increase in computer components is the amount of various electrical cords that are present. This invention provides for multiple retractable output cords with variable voltage for use with computer attachments.
AC/DC conversion is currently achieved by either the use of transformers or the use of semiconductors. When selecting an AC adapter, a user must match the voltage, tip polarity, and tip size exactly, however, the adapter only needs to match the current consumption at a minimum. Since a device will only pull as much current as it needs, and since adapters are rated at the maximum current they can provide, there is no problem using an adapter which is rated at a higher current than is required by the device. The present invention requires only the voltage to be variable due to the nature of DC devices. The present invention involves multiple output cords, each having its own “tweakable” AC to DC converter, using as much shared circuitry as possible with the other output cords to minimize bulk.
There already exists a universal AC to DC power supply, however it does not use a variable regulated power supply, also called a variable bench power supply. With a variable regulated power supply, a user can continuously adjust the output voltage to meet the voltage requirements of the user. Varying the output of the power supply has traditionally been used when a user is testing an electrical project after having double checked parts placement against circuit drawings and a parts placement guide. When testing a project using a variable power supply, the user starts with a minimum voltage, and then looks for signs of distress among components then progressively increases the voltage to a recommended project voltage while continually monitoring the project for distress.
The present invention provides a solution to the problems related to the difficulty and inconvenience of multiple cords associated with the use of multiple computer components. Accordingly, the present invention provides for multiple retractable output cords with variable voltage for use with computer attachments. The multiple output cords of the present invention comprise interchangeable heads to correspond with various electronic devices or components to which they will be connected. An indicator display, such as an LED indicator display, shows the voltage range of a particular output cords when selected by a selector switch. The voltage can be varied on the selected output cord by using a user input device, such as a knob, to increase or decrease the voltage for that cord. A “set” button is then activated to finalize the setting selection made with the selector switch and user input device. Indicator lights, such as LED indicator lights, are located beside each output cord to indicate whether its corresponding output cord is in use. A red indicator light signals the user that the corresponding output cord is in use. When an indicator light is green, its corresponding output cord is available for use.
The present invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:
Referring to
An AC/DC converter, illustrated in
The running of the process set up in
Referring now to
Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and intent of the appended claims.
