Capacitor Self-Recycling Power Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems require additional power sources for controlling circuitry during reset periods, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a capacitor to store energy, discharge it when the power switch is turned off, and compare the voltage across the capacitor to a threshold value to automatically turn the switch back on when the voltage reaches that threshold, eliminating the need for external power sources during reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional power sources are provided for controlling circuitry during reset periods, then the power system can reliably reset the main switch, but the cost and complexity of the power system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves itself by automatically discharging when the main switch is turned off and automatically recharging when voltage reaches the threshold, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control circuits during reset periods. The system uses its own stored energy to perform the reset function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power source requirement from the reset control function by using the capacitor's stored energy independently of the main power source. This separates the reset control function from the main power supply system, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If additional power sources are provided for controlling circuitry during reset periods, then the power system can reliably reset the main switch, but the cost of the power system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor provides self-service by automatically managing its discharge and recharge cycles without requiring additional power sources or complex control circuitry, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable reset functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as a temporary, low-cost energy storage element that is discharged during reset periods and then recharged, replacing the need for expensive additional power sources or complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If the capacitor discharges completely before resetting the switch, then the voltage comparison can accurately detect the reset condition, but the reset time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage comparator provides continuous feedback by monitoring the capacitor voltage and comparing it to a reference threshold. When the capacitor voltage reaches the threshold voltage during discharge, the comparator triggers the reset signal, achieving both accurate detection and timely reset without requiring complete discharge.
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 power system reset without additional power sources, reducing cost and complexity by using stored energy to control the main power switch.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor, where the capacitor begins to discharge when the first switch is turned off
Data Source
AI summary
A power system includes a switch, a capacitor and a comparator circuit. The power system receives a signal to turn off power supplied to the power system, turns off the switch that is used to supply power to the system and discharges the capacitor. The power system also compares a voltage across the discharging capacitor to a threshold voltage value, and turns on the switch to allow power to be supplied to the power system when the compared voltage across the discharging capacitor equals the threshold voltage value.