Adaptive logic board for variable speed drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of variable speed drives (VSDs) for HVAC&R systems requires multiple logic boards of different sizes to accommodate varying motor power outputs, leading to increased production complexity and costs due to the need for distinct components to handle different current and voltage loads.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive logic board that includes a signal sensing circuit with resistors and switches, allowing it to determine the size of the VSD based on an input signal and adjust electrical current accordingly, thereby reducing the need for multiple logic boards by selecting appropriate internal components based on the power output range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple logic boards of different sizes are manufactured to accommodate varying motor power outputs, then the VSD can handle different current and voltage loads, but the production complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different current and voltage loadsVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The logic board is designed with multiple resistors (R1-R4) and switches (S1-S4) that can be configured in different combinations to accommodate various motor power outputs. A single logic board design serves multiple VSD sizes by selectively enabling different resistor configurations based on the applied voltage, eliminating the need to manufacture separate logic boards for each VSD size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic board incorporates voltage-dependent switching mechanisms where switches S1-S4 are activated based on the detected input voltage level. This dynamic configuration allows the same logic board to adapt its internal resistor network (R1-R4) to match different operating conditions, transforming a static component into a dynamically adjustable one that responds to varying power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple logic boards of different sizes are manufactured to accommodate varying motor power outputs, then the VSD can handle different current and voltage loads, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different current and voltage loadsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single adaptive logic board is used to control multiple VSD sizes, then production is simplified and costs are reduced, but the requirement for accurate component selection and configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidcomponent configuration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The logic board is pre-configured with multiple resistors (R1-R4) and switches (S1-S4) in specific arrangements during manufacturing. The voltage-dependent switching logic is pre-programmed to automatically select the appropriate resistor configuration based on the detected input voltage level, eliminating the need for manual configuration or precise component selection during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logic board automatically detects the input voltage level and self-configures its internal resistor network by activating the appropriate switches (S1-S4). This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or precise manual configuration, allowing the board to adapt to different VSD sizes autonomously based on electrical parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 adaptive logic board simplifies production and reduces costs by enabling a single board to monitor and control multiple VSD sizes, facilitating efficient operation across a wide range of power outputs while maintaining accurate measurement and regulation of electrical currents and voltages.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing unit is configured to measure a voltage drop of the input signal across an active resistor of the plurality of resistors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12021464B2Adaptive logic board for variable speed drive

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION (WUXI) CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an adaptive logic board that includes a signal sensing circuit configured to receive an input signal as an electrical current. The signal sensing circuit includes a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switches configured to electrically couple or electrically decouple the plurality of resistors from the signal sensing circuit, in which each switch of the plurality of switches corresponds to a corresponding resistor of the plurality of resistors. The adaptive logic board also includes a sensing unit that is configured to measure a voltage drop of the input signal across an active resistor of the plurality of resistors.