WO2018062986A1

WO2018062986A1 - A power cable

Info

Publication number: WO2018062986A1
Application number: PCT/MY2017/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jing Yeu SEE
Original assignee: See Jing Yeu
Priority date: 2016-09-29
Filing date: 2017-09-25
Publication date: 2018-04-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power cable for use with an electrical device or an electric breast pump, which includes a USB cable (100) with a USB connector (110); a DC cable (200) having a DC connector (210); and a housing (300) with a means for identifying the output voltage of the electrical device or the electric breast pump, a means for converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage; a means for identifying the input current of the power source; a means for identifying the output current of the electrical device or an electric breast pump; and a means for dissipating heat. The input voltage is in the range of 5 - 20V and can be converted to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V. A method for supplying the output voltage and the output current to the electrical device or the electric breast pump from different power sources having different input voltages and currents by using the power cable is also disclosed herewith.

Description

A POWER CABLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a power cable with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, and more particularly to a power cable with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable for operating an electrical device from different power sources.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus, which works as a plug-and-play interface, allowing a power source to communicate with other devices and peripherals. USB is also used to send power to electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, and to charge their batteries.

USB supports data transfer at different speeds. For example USB 1.x supports data transfer rates of 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and is capable of supporting up to 127 peripheral devices while USB 2.0 supports data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps and capable of supporting USB 1.0 and 1.1 devices and cables. On the other hand, USB 3.0 supports data transfer rates up to 5.0 gigabits per second (Gbps), which also provides two unidirectional data paths for receiving and sending data at the same time.

The most recent improvement is the USB 3.1 , which supports data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps. USB Type-C was developed around the same time as USB 3.1 and features a reversible-plug. 24-pin. double sided connector for use with USB devices. USB connectors exist in numerous shapes and sizes for the use of different type of devices. Every version of USB connector includes two or more variations of connectors, namely, standard. Mini, and Micro.

The length of USB cables vary from around 3 feet (ft) to over 16 ft. For a high speed device, the maximum USB cable length is around 16 ft 5 inches (inch) while for a low speed device, the maximum USB cable length is around 9 ft 10 inch. USB extension cables are often used to connect one end of a USB cable to extend its length.

There are plenty of devices that employ USB connections to ease communication between devices and power source. For some devices, such as electric breast pumps, it is often challenging for mothers to find a power socket to operate the pump if they are traveling or are away from home. Therefore, there is a need to provide mobile access to power up such devices through the utilisation of USB connections. The USB connections should also allow charging to be carried out conveniently at any power source without frying up the devices.

Patent publication no. WO 2015/069095 A1 disclosed a USB power cable for electric breast pumps. However, the power cable of the prior art is unable to convert the input voltage of the power source to the required output voltage of the electric breast pump. The power cable is fixed at delivering an output voltage of 3V - 12V only.

Patent publication nos. WO 2006/117352 A2 and WO 2016/014488 A1 disclosed a breast pump system that can be operated using a battery. Nonetheless, it may still be difficult for a travelling mother to recharge the breast pump if the battery is flat as the device needs to be plugged into a power socket for charging. It would be helpful if such devices have USB ports where charging can be done conveniently, even in a car or a plane. Patent publication no. US 2013/0166852 A1 disclosed an electric breast milk pump driven by an electric motor. In this prior art, the user requires an AC power source to run the electric breast milk pump and while a battery is provided, charging is still required through the AC power source. For a traveling mother, this can be a limitation as it may be difficult to find a suitable power source in places such as restaurants or malls.

Accordingly, it can be seen in the prior arts that there exists a need to provide a power cable for an electric breast pump or any electrical devices that can be used at any USB connections for powering up or recharging the devices without causing a power surge or overheating.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable for recharging and powenng up an electrical device, particularly an electric breast pump. The present invention is also designed to meet the demands of working and traveling users, especially mothers and lactating women, who may find It difficult to find a power outlet to operate electric breast pumps. Thus, it is also an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable that is portable, convenient, and easy to connect.

It is a further objective of the present invention to regulate inconsistent power supply by voltage conversion and to prevent power surges. It is preferable the present invention is able to convert the input voltage of 5V - 20V to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V, specifically 3.3V, 5V. 6V, 8.4V, 9V. 12V, and 24V.

It is also an objective of the present invention to present an embodiment where the USB connector is a USB type-C and is capable of delivering 100 W of power.

It is yet an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable that identifies the input current of the power source, and the output current of the electrical device.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable that can provide a stable supply of power, prevent overheating, and automatic power down of the electrical device. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable having a USB connector. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the USB connector is a USB type-C which is able to deliver 100 W of power. it is also an objective of the present invention to provide a power cable that can be used to power any electrical device or electric breast pump from any power source having a USB connection, such as a power bank, a laptop or desktop computer, or a vehicle cigarette lighter socket.

Accordingly, these objectives may be achieved by the following embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention relate to a power cable for use with an electrical device or an electric breast pump comprising: a USB cable having a USB connector; a OC cable having a DC connector; and a housing. The housing further comprises a means for identifying the output voltage of the electrical device or the electric breast pump; a means for voltage conversion, converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage; a means for identifying the input current of the power source; a means for identifying the output current of the electrical device or electric breast pump; and a means for dissipating heat. The means for dissipating heat may comprise a heat sink, or a fan.

In a preferred embodiment of the power cable, the USB connector is interchangeable and further comprises lype-A, mini-A, micro-A. type-B, mini-8. micro-B, or type-C connectors. The USB connector may be used with a USB connector adaptor. in another preferred embodiment of the power cable, the DC connector is interchangeable and may be used with a DC connector adaptor.

In a preferred embodiment of the power cable, the input voltage of the power source is 5V and the means for voltage conversion converts the input voltage of 5V to an output voltage ranging from 1.5 - 24V. In a preferred embodiment of the power cable, the power cable comprises USB type-C connector, the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5 - 20V and the means for voltage conversion converts the input voltage of 5 - 20V to an output voltage ranging from 1.5 - 24V. The embodiments of the present invention also relate to a method for supplying an output voltage and an output current that are required to operate an electrical device or an electric breast pump from different power sources that have different input voltages and currents by using a power cable. The method comprises the steps of: plugging a USB connector of a USB cable of one end of the power cable to the power source; plugging a DC connector of a DC cable of another end of the power cable to the electrical device or electric breast pump. The method is further characterized by the steps of: identifying the output voltage of the electric breast pump; identifying the input current of the power source; identifying the output current of the electrical device or the electric breast pump; and converting the input voltage to the identified output voltage.

In a preferred method_: the USB connector is interchangeable and further comprises type-A, mini-A, micro-A. type-B, mini-B, micro-B, or type-C connectors. The USB connector may be used with a USB connector adaptor.

In a preferred method, the DC connector is interchangeable and may be used with a DC connector adaptor. In a preferred method, the input voltage of the power source is SV and is converted to an output voltage ranging from 1.5 - 24V via the voltage conversion means.

In a preferred method wherein the USB cable is a USB type-C connector, the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5 - 20V and is converted to an output voltage ranging from 1.5 - 24V via the voltage conversion means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a drawing of a power cable for use with an electrical device or an electric breast pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The abovementioned and other features and objects of this invention will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description made known below is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise disclosed form as the invention may assume various alternative forms. On the contrary, the detailed description covers all the relevant modifications and alterations made to the present invention, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The present invention relates to a power cable for use with an electric breast pump comprising: a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable (100) having a USB connector (110); a DC cable (200) having a DC connector (210); and a housing (300). The power cable is characterised by the housing (300), which further comprises a means for identifying the output voltage of the electric breast pump; a means for voltage conversion, converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage; a means for identifying the input current of the power source; a means for identifying the output current of the electric breast pump; and a means for dissipating heat. The present invention also relates to a power cable for use with an electrical device comprising: a USB cable (100) having a USB connector (11); a DC cable (200) having a DC connector (210); and a housing (300). The power cable is characterised by the housing (300), which further comprises a means for identifying the output voltage of the electrical device; a means for voltage conversion, converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage; a means for identifying the input current of the power source; a means for identifying the output current of the electrical device; and a means for dissipating heat. The power cable is depicted in Figure 1.

A method for supplying an output voltage and an output current required to operate an electrical device or an electric breast pump via different power sources having different input voltages and currents by using the power cable of the present invention is also disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: plugging a USB connector (110) of a USB cable (100) of one end of the power cable to the power source; plugging a DC connector (210) of a DC cable (200) of another end of the power cable to the electrical device or the electric breast pump; characterized in that, the method further comprises the steps of: identifying the output voltage of the electrical device or the electric breast pump; identifying the input current of the power source: identifying the output current of the electrical device or the electric breast pump; and converting the input voltage to the identified output voltage.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the power source comprises any sources having a USB connection, for example, a power bank, a laptop or desktop computer, or vehicle cigarette lighter socket. In an embodiment of the present invention, the US8 connector (110) comprises type-A, mini-A, micro-A, type-B, mini-B, micro-8. or type-C connectors.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the USB connector (110) is interchangeable. In another embodiment of the present invention, the USB connector (110) can be used with a USB connector adaptor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the DC connector (210) is interchangeable. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the DC connector (210) can be used with a DC connector adaptor. In a further embodiment, the DC connector (210) has an outside diameter of 5.5 mm and a length of 9.5 mm.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the 5V input voltage of the power source is converted to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V - 24V via the means for voltage conversion. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the power cable converts the 5V of input voltage to an output voltage of 1 ,5V - 24V, specifically 3.3V, 5V, 6V, 8.4V, 9V, 12V. and 24V. When a USB type-C connector is used, the power cable has a potential maximum current draw of 5000mA (5A) and potential power delivery of 100W. Hence, in another embodiment of the present invention, the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5V - 20V for USB type-C connectors, and the 5V - 20V input voltage is converted to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V - 24V by the means for voltage conversion. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the power cable converts the input voltage of 5V - 20V to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V, specifically 3.3V, 5V, 6V, 8.4V, 9V. 12V, and 24V.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the means for dissipating heat comprises a heat sink, a fan, or any means to prevent heat accumulation in the housing that is deemed suitable by a person skilled in the art. in the present invention, the power cable is portable and easy to keep in a bag. The power cable can be used anywhere to power up an electrical device, an electric breast pump, or to charge a battery-operated electrical device or electric breast pump.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 ) A power cable for use with an electric breast pump comprising: a) a Universal Serial Bus, USB, cable (100) having a USB connector (110);

b) a OC cable (200) having a DC connector (210); and

c) a housing (300); characterized in that the housing (300) further comprises; d) a means for identifying the output voltage of the electric breast pump;

e) a means for voltage conversion, converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage of the electric breast pump;

f) a means for identifying the input current of the power source;

g) a means for identifying the output current of the electric breast pump; and

h) a means for dissipating heat. 2) The power cable according to claim 1. wherein the USB connector (110) comprises a type-A, mini-A, micro-A, type-B, mini-B, micro-B, or type-C connector. 3) The power cable according to claim 1. wherein the USB connector (110) is interchangeable. 4) The power cable according to claim 1. wherein the USB connector (110) can be used with a USB connector adaptor. 5) The power cable according to claim 1, wherein the DC connector (210) is interchangeable. 6) The power cable according to claim 1, wherein the DC connector (210) can be used with a DC connector adaptor. 7) The power cable according to claim 1 , wherein the input voltage of the power source is 5V.

8) The power cable according to claims 1 and 7, wherein the means for voltage conversion converts the input voltage of 5V to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V- 24V.

9) The power cable according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5V - 20V for USB type-C connectors.

10) The power cable according to claims 1 and 9, wherein the means for voltage conversion converts the 5V - 20V input voltage of the power source to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V - 24V.

11 ) The power cable according to claim 1 , wherein the means for dissipating heat comprises a heat sink, or a fan.

12) A power cable for use with an electrical device comprising: a) a USB cable (100) having a USB connector (110):

b) a DC cable (200) having a DC connector (210): and

c) a housing (300); characterized in that the housing (300) further comprises; d) a means for identifying the output voltage of the electrical device; e) a means for voltage conversion, converting the input voltage of a power source to the identified output voltage of the electrical device; f) a means for identifying the input current of the power source;

g) a means for identifying the output current of the electrical device; and h) a means for dissipating heat.

13) The power cable according to claim 12, wherein the US8 connector (110) comprises a type-A, mini-A, micro-A_; type-B, mini-B, micrc-B, or type-C connector.

14) The power cable according to claim 12, wherein the USB connector (110) is interchangeable. 15) The power cable according to claim 12, wherein the USB connector (110) can be used with an USB connector adaptor.

16) The power cable according to claim 12, wherein the DC connector (210) is interchangeable.

17) The power cable according to claim 12. wherein the DC connector (210) can be used with a DC connector adaptor.

18) The power cable according to daim 12, wherein the input voltage of the power source is 5V.

19) The power cable according to claims 12 and 18, wherein the means for voltage conversion converts the 5V input voltage of the power source to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V - 24V.

20) The power cable according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5V - 20V for USB type-C connectors.

21) The power cable according to claims 12 and 20, wherein the means for voltage conversion converts the 5V - 20V input voltage of the power source to an output voltage ranging from 1.5V- 24V.

22) The power cable according to claim 12, wherein the means for dissipating heat comprises a heat sink, or a fan. 23) A method for supplying an output voltage and an output current to an electric breast pump from different power sources having different input voltages and currents by using a power cable, the method comprising the steps of. a) plugging a USB connector (110) of a USB cable (100) of one end of the power cable to the power source;

b} plugging a DC connector (210) of a DC cable (200) of another end of the power cable to the electric breast pump; characterized in that, the method further comprises the steps of: c) identifying the output voltage of the electric breast pump;

d) identifying the input current of the power source:

e) identifying the output current of the electric breast pump; and 0 converting the input voltage of the power source to the identified output voltage of the electric breast pump. 24) The method according to claim 23, wherein the USB connector (110) comprises a type-A, mini-A, micro-A. type-B, mini-8, micro-B, or type-C connector.

25) The method according to claim 23. wherein the USB connector (110) is interchangeable.

26) The method according to claim 23, wherein the USB connector (110) can be used with a USB connector adaptor. 27) The method according to claim 23. wherein the DC connector (210) is interchangeable.

28) The method according to claim 23, wherein the DC connector (210) can be used with a DC connector adaptor. 29) The method according to claim 23, wherein the input voltage of the power source is 5V. 30) The method according to claim 29, wherein the input voltage of the power source of SV is converted to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V via a means for voltage conversion.

31) The method according to claim 23 and 24, wherein the input voltage of the power source ranges from 5V - 20V for USB type-C connectors.

32) The method according to claim 31, wherein the SV - 20V input voltage of the power source is converted to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V by a means for voltage conversion. 33) A method for supplying an output voltage and an output current to an electrical device from different power sources having different input voltages and currents by using a power cable, the method comprising the steps of: a) plugging a USB connector (110) of a USB cable (100) of one end of the power cable to the power source;

b) plugging a DC connector (210) of a DC cable (200) of another end of the power cable to the electrical device; characterized in that, the method further comprises the steps of: c) identifying the output voltage of the electrical device;

d) identifying the input current of the power source;

e) identifying the output current of the electrical device; and f) converting the input voltage of the power source to the identified output voltage of the electrical device. 34) The method according to claim 33. wherein the USB connector comprises a type-A, mini-A, micro-A. type-B, mini-B, micro-B, or type-C connector.

35) The method according to claim 33, wherein the USB connector (110) is interchangeable.

36) The method according to claim 33, wherein the USB connector (110) can be used with an USB connector adaptor. 37) The method according to claim 33, wherein the DC connector (210) is interchangeable.

38) The method according to claim 33, wherein the DC connector (210) can be used with a DC connector adaptor.

39) The method according to claim 33, wherein the input voltage of the power source is 5V.

40) The method according to claim 39, wherein the input voltage of the power source of 5V is converted to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V via a means for voltage conversion.

41) The method according to claims 33 and 34. wherein the input voltage of the power source for USB type-C connector ranges from 5V - 20V.

42) The method according to claim 41 , wherein the input voltage of the power source of 5V - 20V is converted to an output voltage of 1.5V - 24V by a means for voltage conversion.