Bipolar Power Supply Polarity Switching via Transistor H-Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage switching power supplies require manual or mechanical switching for polarity change, which is unsafe, costly, and slow, limiting their ability to provide rapid and programmable output current for modern devices.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled bipolar power supply system using self-oscillating DC-DC converter sections with control circuits and transformers, allowing for rapid polarity change without mechanical switching, with programmable output current and polarity, and suppression capabilities to prevent component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical switching means (relays) are used to change polarity, then polarity switching is automated and safer, but the switching speed is slow (tens to hundreds of milliseconds) and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical relay switching with electronic transistor-based H-bridge circuit switching. The transistors (Q1-Q4) are controlled by logic circuits to switch polarity electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts. This substitution enables polarity switching in microseconds rather than tens or hundreds of milliseconds, while also reducing component cost and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching mechanism from mechanical (relay contact closure/opening) to electronic (transistor saturation/cutoff states). By controlling the gate/base parameters of transistors through logic circuits, the polarity switching speed is dramatically increased from mechanical timescales (10-100ms) to electronic timescales (microseconds), resolving the speed limitation of mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical switching means (relays) are used to change polarity, then polarity switching is automated, but the cost increases due to expensive relays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical relays with inexpensive solid-state transistor switches in an H-bridge configuration. The transistors (Q1-Q4) and associated resistors form a cost-effective switching network that eliminates the need for high-voltage relays, significantly reducing component cost while maintaining automated polarity switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive transistor components instead of expensive mechanical relays. Transistors are solid-state devices with no moving parts, making them cheaper, more reliable, and suitable for high-frequency switching applications where mechanical relays would be costly and prone to wear.
3Device complexity
If manual switching procedure is used to change polarity, then the power supply cost is low, but the switching process is unsafe and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated electronic switching using transistors controlled by logic circuits, completely eliminating the need for manual intervention in high-voltage circuit reconfiguration. The H-bridge circuit switches polarity electronically under microcontroller control, ensuring operator safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of solid-state components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system performs polarity switching automatically through its own control circuits and logic, without requiring external manual operation. The microcontroller monitors system state and autonomously controls the H-bridge transistors to switch polarity as needed, making the system self-sufficient and safe.
4Loss of time
If mechanical switching means are used to change polarity rapidly, then the warm-up time for heating devices is reduced, but the switching speed is still limited to tens to hundreds of milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical relay switching with electronic transistor switching, enabling polarity changes in microseconds rather than tens or hundreds of milliseconds. This dramatic speed increase allows heating devices like lamps or tubes to reach operational temperature almost instantaneously, eliminating warm-up time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The H-bridge circuit and control logic are pre-configured to enable instantaneous polarity reversal when needed. The transistors and associated circuitry are ready to switch immediately upon receiving control signals, allowing the system to prepare for rapid polarity changes in advance, thereby minimizing warm-up time for heating applications.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and rapid polarity switching within milliseconds, eliminating unstable oscillations and undefined currents, thus improving power supply performance and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Each power supply section includes a step-up transformer containing a primary winding, secondary winding, and feedback winding. Oscillator transistor collectors serve to drive the primary windings of each step-up transformer.
Implementation Method 2
Each power supply section includes a step-up transformer containing a primary winding, secondary winding, and feedback winding. Oscillator transistor collectors serve to drive the primary windings of each step-up transformer.
Implementation Method 3
Each power supply section includes a step-up transformer containing a primary winding, secondary winding, and feedback winding. The feedback winding is connected in an anti-phase manner with regards to the primary winding, setting up the self-oscillating characteristic of the circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled power supply system that can change output polarity at a high slew rate without using switching devices. The system comprises a control circuit and two individual high voltage DC-DC converter power supply sections, one positive and one negative, connected in series. By nature of the control circuitry, either a positive or negative controllable current is produced depending upon a programmed voltage input. The two individual power supply sections are each self-oscillating single transistor circuits. The self-oscillating circuits contain an RC network tuned to provide attenuation at the second harmonic of the natural oscillating frequency of the circuit. This reduces and/or eliminates the tendency of this circuit to begin oscillation at the wrong harmonic of the natural frequency. A power-on delay circuit is used to suppress the outputs of the two power supply sections no matter the command of the input control programming signal. An enable signal input allows for suppression of the power supply system output at any other time.