Bistable Solid-State Relay Circuit for Non-Volatile State Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-volatile 1-bit state storage solutions are complex, expensive, and prone to errors, particularly in aviation applications, due to their reliance on microcontrollers or mechanical implementations with permanent magnets.

Innovation Solution

A non-volatile 1-bit state storage system utilizing a digital-to-analog converter with non-volatile memory and a bistable multivibrator, which converts digital input signals into analog output signals and maintains the state even after power supply failure, thereby eliminating the need for complex microcontroller-based solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microcontroller-based solutions with non-volatile memory are used, then non-volatile 1-bit state storage functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-volatile state storage reliabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the state storage function into two separate components: a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for state representation and a bistable multivibrator for state maintenance. This segmentation eliminates the need for a microcontroller while achieving non-volatile state storage, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/microcontroller-based state storage system with an electronic analog system using DAC and bistable multivibrator circuits. This substitution eliminates complex control software and microcontroller hardware while maintaining non-volatile state storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If permanent magnets are used for state storage, then non-volatile state maintenance is achieved, but cost and error susceptibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate maintenance reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic storage (permanent magnets) with an electronic analog system using a DAC and bistable multivibrator. This substitution uses standard electronic components instead of specialized magnetic components, reducing cost and error susceptibility while maintaining non-volatile state storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state representation from magnetic field orientation to analog voltage levels generated by the DAC. This parameter change allows the use of standard electronic components instead of permanent magnets, achieving the same non-volatile state maintenance at lower cost and with higher reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex control software is used, then state management functionality is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate control functionalityVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based state management with hardware-based analog circuitry (DAC and bistable multivibrator). The bistable multivibrator inherently maintains two stable states without requiring control software, eliminating software complexity while preserving state management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bistable multivibrator circuit inherently maintains its state without external control software. The circuit self-regulates and maintains its bistable state through its own internal feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex control software while achieving adaptable state management.

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 proposed solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and simpler implementation of non-volatile 1-bit state storage, capable of maintaining the previous state after power supply restoration, thus enhancing reliability and reducing complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for converting a digital input signal into an analog output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a bistable signal converter, in particular a bistable multivibrator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS20250054548A1Non-volatile 1-bit state storage and bistable solid-state relay including the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 LIEBHERR ELECTRONICS & DRIVES GMBH

AI summary

A non-volatile 1-bit state storage including a first signal converter for converting a digital input signal into an analog intermediate signal and a second signal converter for converting the analog intermediate signal into a digital output signal. The first signal converter is provided with a non-volatile memory so that after an outage of a power supply voltage, the previously output analogue intermediate signal is restored. A bistable solid-state relay that assumes a bistable switching state by means of the non-volatile 1-bit state storage and restores this state after an outage of the power supply voltage.