Vehicular Alternator Control Apparatus Circuit Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatuses for vehicular alternators are complex and costly due to the use of multiple switches and diodes, which increases the risk of overvoltage damage and complicates the structure, making them unreliable and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that uses a simple circuit with a voltage control circuit comprising a MOSFET, comparators, and a circulation circuit with a diode and resistor to regulate the field current of the rotor coil, allowing for efficient interruption and attenuation of the field current, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two switches and multiple diodes are used to switch between attenuating and non-attenuating circuits, then the field current can be controlled, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (one switch and multiple diodes) from the traditional circuit configuration. By removing these redundant elements, the circuit achieves the same field current control function with fewer components, directly reducing structural complexity while maintaining control reliability through the optimized circulation circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a simplified configuration. The single switch works in conjunction with strategically placed diodes to achieve both circuit switching and current attenuation functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If two switches are used for circuit switching, then field current control is achieved, but the number of component parts increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one switch from the traditional two-switch configuration, reducing the component count directly. This extraction maintains the essential switching capability through the remaining switch配合 diodes, while lowering manufacturing costs by reducing part quantity and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs diodes, which are inexpensive semiconductor components, to perform functions that would otherwise require more expensive switches. The diodes provide reliable current direction control at minimal cost, making the overall apparatus more economical while maintaining operational effectiveness
3Reliability
If two switches are used with diodes in each circuit, then current control is possible, but the number of component parts increases making the apparatus expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unnecessary diodes from the traditional configuration, reducing the total number of semiconductor components. By carefully positioning only the essential diodes in the circulation circuit, the design maintains current control reliability while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The remaining diodes in the optimized circuit perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide current direction control, protect against reverse current, and enable the circulation path for field current attenuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering overall manufacturing cost
4Productivity
If two switches are turned off simultaneously, then circuit switching is complete, but overvoltage may destroy the control apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection action by pre-configuring the circulation circuit with diodes and a single switch that prevents overvoltage conditions before they can occur. This preliminary design ensures that even if both original switches are turned off simultaneously, the controlled component configuration prevents destructive voltage spikes, maintaining reliability without sacrificing switching speed
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation circuit acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and redirects potentially destructive overvoltage energy. The diodes and resistor in the circulation path provide a safe discharge path for inductive kickback voltage, cushioning the control apparatus against damage while maintaining fast switching performance
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 improves the reliability and reduces the manufacturing cost of the control apparatus by allowing for efficient field current attenuation with a simpler circuit design, while maintaining high efficiency and preventing overvoltage damage.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation circuit composed of a series circuit comprising a diode (103) and a current attenuation element (104) that circulates the field current upon interruption
Implementation Method 2
a circulation circuit composed of a series circuit comprising a diode (103) and a current attenuation element (104) that circulates the field current upon interruption
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a vehicular alternator can improve its reliability and reduce its cost by attenuating a field current of a rotor coil with a simple circuit. The apparatus includes an armature coil, a rectifier circuit, a rotor coil and a voltage control circuit. The rectifier circuit has an AC input terminal, a positive and a negative output terminal. The voltage control circuit controls a generation voltage to be substantially constant by interrupting a field current when a generation voltage exceeds a first predetermined voltage, while passing the field current when the generation voltage is equal to or lower than the first predetermined voltage. A circulation circuit comprising a diode and a current attenuation element serves to circulate the field current upon interruption thereof. A short-circuiting circuit short-circuits the current attenuation element. A short-circuit control circuit opens the short-circuiting circuit when the generation voltage exceeds a second predetermined voltage.