Capacitor Control Circuit Alternating Modules to Extend Lifetime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrolytic capacitors in electronic circuits have a relatively short operation lifetime due to aging, which affects the overall performance and longevity of the circuit, as their equivalent series resistance (ESR) increases, leading to power loss and potential failure in smoothing voltage.
Innovation Solution
Deploying two or more capacitor modules of the same configuration to alternate operation in the electronic circuit, with a microcontroller or programmable counter controlling the switching to ensure each module operates for equal time periods, thereby extending the overall operation lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a single electrolytic capacitor is used in the circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the operation lifetime is short due to ESR increase during aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitor system into multiple independent capacitor modules (at least two), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to extend operational lifetime by switching between modules as they age, while maintaining the smoothing function throughout. The control circuit manages the segmentation by activating/deactivating specific modules based on their operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the capacitor system by introducing time-based control and status monitoring. The control circuit monitors parameters such as ESR and operational time of each capacitor module, and switches between modules based on these parameter changes, thereby extending the overall system lifetime beyond what a single capacitor could provide.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If capacitor modules operate alternately with equal time periods, then the overall operation lifetime is extended, but the control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements self-service functionality by automatically monitoring the operational status and time of each capacitor module, and autonomously switching between modules based on pre-set criteria. This eliminates the need for external manual intervention or complex external control systems, as the circuit manages its own capacitor module rotation and load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control circuit continuously monitors the operational status, ESR, and time of each capacitor module. This feedback information is used to make real-time decisions about which module to activate or deactivate, ensuring optimal load distribution and extending overall system lifetime through data-driven control decisions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple capacitor modules are deployed to extend lifetime, then the operation lifetime increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitor system into multiple identical or similar modules rather than using one complex capacitor. This segmentation strategy allows the system to achieve extended lifetime through redundancy and rotation, where each module is simpler and more standardized, potentially reducing individual module costs while increasing overall system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for improving operation lifetime of a capacitor module in an electronic circuit employing the capacitor module, comprising the steps of providing two or more capacitor modules of same configuration; and controlling alternately a respective one of the capacitor modules to operate in the electronic circuit for a first predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a capacitor control circuit structure for use in a location of an electronic circuit previously occupied by an original capacitor module, and the capacitor control circuit structure exhibits the extended operation lifetime with respect to the original capacitor module. The invention also relates to the use of the capacitor control circuit structure in the electronic applications.