Capacitor Backup Power Control for Readiness Without Charge Deterioration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backup power supply systems, such as those using electric double layer capacitors and lithium ion capacitors, face issues with charge deterioration and wasteful discharge when not in use, leading to inefficient energy utilization.

Innovation Solution

A backup power-supply device with a capacitor, charging circuit, discharging circuit, and control unit that manages charging and discharging based on the main power supply's status and user settings, ensuring optimal voltage maintenance and efficient energy use by discharging to critical electronic devices during power outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the capacitor is left in a fully charged state for a long time, then the backup power supply is ready to provide immediate power, but the capacitor is likely to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness of backup power supplyVSAvoidservice life of capacitor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic charging and discharging cycles of the capacitor. When the main power supply is normal, the capacitor is charged to readiness state. When the ignition is turned off, the capacitor is discharged to prevent deterioration. This periodic alternation between charged and discharged states maintains backup readiness while preventing capacitor deterioration during long-term storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the capacitor is discharged by discharge resistance when ignition is turned off, then the capacitor is prevented from deterioration, but electric charges are discharged in a waste manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice life of capacitorVSAvoidwaste of electric charges

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The discharged capacitor serves a useful function by providing power to the second electronic device after ignition is turned off. Instead of wasting the discharged energy through simple discharge resistance, the system makes the capacitor discharge itself useful by powering devices that need operation after engine shutdown, such as communication devices or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the capacitor continuously supplies power to maintain readiness, then immediate backup power is available, but energy is consumed continuously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate backup power availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption of capacitor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between charging the capacitor when main power is available and discharging it when ignition is turned off. This periodic action ensures the capacitor is ready to provide immediate backup power when needed, while avoiding continuous energy consumption by allowing the capacitor to be discharged during periods when backup power is not immediately required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

Effectively utilizes stored charges in capacitors to provide power to essential electronic devices during main power supply failures, preventing deterioration and ensuring continued operation of critical systems.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor (31, 31B) that is configured to supply power to a first electronic device (4, 4B) and is provided as a backup for a main power supply (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a charging circuit (32, 32B) that is provided between the main power supply (2) and the capacitor (31, 31B) and is configured to turn on and turn off charging from the main power supply (2) to the capacitor (31, 31B)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a discharging circuit (33, 33B) that is provided between the capacitor (31, 31B) and the first electronic device (4, 4B) and is configured to turn on and turn off discharging from the capacitor (31, 31B) to the first electronic device (4, 4B)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11876400B2Backup power-supply device

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A backup power-supply device including a control unit is provided. In a case where a main power supply is normal when an ignition is turned on, the control unit controls to turn on or off a charging circuit to charge a capacitor from the main power supply so that a voltage of the capacitor becomes constant at a target voltage and turns off the discharging circuit to stop discharging from the capacitor to a first electronic device. In a case where an abnormality occurs in the main power supply when the ignition is turned on, the control unit turns off the charging circuit to stop charging from the main power supply to the capacitor and turns on the discharging circuit to perform discharging from the capacitor to the first electronic device.