Bidirectional AC Power Conversion for DUT Disconnection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional AC power conversion devices struggle to quickly detect disconnection of a Device Under Test (DUT) and release residual energy, leading to prolonged downtime and potential damage due to abnormally high voltages when reconnecting.

Innovation Solution

A two-way AC power conversion device equipped with a digital control module and phase-locked loop that generates control signals to detect abnormal voltage signals and residual currents, allowing immediate disconnection detection and rapid release of residual energy through ground voltage management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the DUT is disconnected from the output without warning, then the AC power conversion device cannot immediately detect the disconnection, but the device continues to pull load current causing abnormally high voltage at the output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidvoltage spike
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a warning signal before actual disconnection occurs. The method detects abnormal voltage signals that precede disconnection events and issues warnings, allowing the system to prepare for the disconnection rather than reacting after damage has occurred. This transforms a reactive protection system into a proactive one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the warning signal - that mediates between the disconnection event and the system response. Instead of directly detecting disconnection (which causes voltage spikes), the system detects precursor abnormal voltage signals and uses the warning as an intermediary to trigger controlled response actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the protection mechanism is triggered to disconnect the current path, then the DUT can be quickly disconnected, but the residual energy cannot be released immediately and the device cannot resume operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisconnection speedVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the ability to quickly resume operation after disconnection. Instead of leaving the system in a dormant state after protection triggers, the system continuously monitors for reconnection conditions and can immediately resume normal operation when the DUT is reconnected, eliminating idle downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the output status and abnormal voltage signals. The system receives feedback about disconnection events and reconnection conditions, adjusting its operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond dynamically to connection status changes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the AC power conversion device waits for residual energy to be slowly self-consumed, then device safety is maintained, but operation cannot be resumed even after DUT reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice safetyVSAvoidoperation resumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies taking out by extracting the residual energy disposal function from the passive self-consumption process. Instead of waiting for internal circuits to slowly dissipate energy, the system actively detects when the DUT is reconnected through feedback mechanisms and immediately resumes operation, effectively removing the energy dissipation wait time from the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the system behavior adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of connection status and abnormal voltage signals. Rather than following a fixed timeline of protection-triggered downtime, the system's operational state changes dynamically in response to actual connection conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4321877A1Two-way ac power conversion device
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 CHROMA ATE INC
  • EP4321877A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321877A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321877A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a two-way AC power conversion device configured to input or output a first AC power. The two-way AC power conversion device comprises a digital control module and a power conversion module. The digital control module generates a control signal. The power conversion module sets the first AC power to be input or output according to the control signal. Wherein when the digital control module determines a real-time voltage signal of the first AC power is abnormal, the power conversion module switches to provide a ground voltage according to the control signal.