Single-Phase AC Motor Starting Circuit with Zero-Cross Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional starting circuits for single-phase AC motors face difficulties in control complexity, high production costs, and intricate circuit structures.

Innovation Solution

A starting circuit comprising a rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit, a control circuit with a zero-cross detecting circuit and counter, and a bidirectional thyristor, where the bidirectional thyristor is connected to a starting winding and capacitor, with a photoelectric-isolating and driving circuit for safe operation, and an adjustable counter for controllable switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional starting circuit with current-measuring circuit, rectifying circuit, comparing circuit, and bidirectional thyristor is used, then the motor starting function is achieved, but the control complexity increases and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor starting functionVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rectifying circuit and voltage stabilizing circuit into a single integrated module that processes AC input voltage. The zero-cross detecting circuit and counter are combined to form a unified control mechanism that tracks voltage cycles and triggers the bidirectional thyristor at precise moments. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall circuit architecture while maintaining reliable motor starting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional thyristor serves multiple functions: it acts as the main switching element for motor starting, is controlled by the counter-based timing mechanism, and its switching state is monitored by the protection circuit. The rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit simultaneously performs both rectification and voltage regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional starting circuit with multiple separate circuits is used, then the motor starting function is achieved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor starting functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing functions into a single circuit module, and integrating the zero-cross detection with the counter mechanism, the patent reduces the total component count. Fewer discrete components mean lower material costs, simplified assembly processes, and reduced manufacturing complexity, directly lowering production costs while maintaining motor starting reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the bidirectional thyristor is controlled without precise timing, then the circuit is simpler, but the starting winding operation time cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuitVSAvoidstarting winding operation time control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counter is pre-configured with a predetermined count value that corresponds to the desired starting winding operation duration. The zero-cross detecting circuit continuously monitors the AC input voltage and counts each zero-crossing event. When the counter reaches the predetermined value, it automatically triggers the bidirectional thyristor to switch off at the appropriate moment. This preliminary setup enables precise timing control without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution simplifies the circuit structure, reduces production costs, enables easy control, ensures safety, and allows adjustable turn-on and operation times for the starting winding, making it efficient and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

the zero-cross detecting circuit operates to detect zero crossing points of the utility power AC input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZero-cross detection:

Implementation Method 2

an output end of the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit operates to supply power to the control circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 3

a photoelectric-isolating and driving circuit is disposed between the counter and the bidirectional thyristor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS8248020B2Starting circuit for single-phase AC motor
Publication Date: 2012.08.21 ZHONGSHAN BROAD OCEAN
  • US8248020B2 patent drawing
  • US8248020B2 patent drawing
  • US8248020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, consisting at least-of a rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit, a control circuit with a zero-cross detecting circuit and a counter, and a bidirectional thyristor. The bidirectional thyristor is serially connected to a starting winding and a starting capacitor, the bidirectional thyristor, the starting winding and the starting capacitor are connected a utility power AC input. The input end of the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit is connected to the utility power AC input. The output end of the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit supplies power to the control circuit. The input end of the zero-cross detecting circuit is connected to the utility power AC input. The output end of the zero-cross detecting circuit is connected to the input end of the counter.