Charge Control Circuit for Measuring Apparatus Power Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small-size displacement measuring apparatuses face power insufficiency during data transfer due to high power consumption, leading to potential system downtime when illuminance is low, as the power from solar cells may not be sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with a charge control circuit that utilizes the dedicated interface for power sourcing, allowing the charging element to be charged both by a solar cell and the external device, ensuring stable power supply through voltage detection and switching mechanisms, even in low illuminance conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data transfer is carried out using the dedicated interface, then the measurement result can be output externally and subjected to arithmetic processing, but the power consumed for data transfer becomes not smaller than the power consumed for measurement operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the capacitor in advance during periods when data is not being transmitted. The charge control circuit monitors the capacitor voltage and performs charging operations during idle periods, ensuring sufficient power is stored before high-power data transfer operations begin. This prevents power deficiency during actual data transmission while maintaining the ability to transfer data externally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a solar cell is used to power the measuring apparatus, then battery replacement is unnecessary, but the power from the solar cell becomes insufficient when illuminance is low, causing system down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using the capacitor to store electrical energy in advance during periods of sufficient illuminance or when external power is available. This stored energy acts as a cushion that ensures continuous operation during low illuminance conditions or when the solar cell cannot meet the power demands of data transfer operations, thereby preventing system shutdown and maintaining reliability.
3Power
If the charging element is charged continuously, then sufficient power is available, but the charging element may be overcharged when not needed, wasting energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through the charge control circuit, which continuously monitors the voltage of the capacitor (charging element). When the capacitor voltage reaches a predetermined threshold indicating sufficient charge, the charge control circuit automatically stops the charging operation. This feedback mechanism prevents overcharging and energy waste while ensuring the capacitor is charged to the necessary level for reliable operation during high-power data transfer periods.
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
This configuration ensures reliable data transfer and measurement operations by maintaining a stable power supply, preventing system downtime even in low illuminance environments.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell (21) for charging the capacitor (22)
Implementation Method 2
the open-drain output terminals of the output circuit being used as the input terminals thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus includes: a measuring circuit configured to carry out predetermined processing for the measurement result of an object to be measured; a communication control circuit configured to generate output data to be output externally depending on the processing result of the measuring circuit; a power source circuit having a charging element configured to supply power to the measuring circuit and the communication control circuit; an output circuit having open-drain output terminals configured to externally output the output data generated in the communication control circuit; and a charge control circuit configured to charge the charging element at the timing when the output data is not output externally, the open-drain output terminals of the output circuit being used as the input terminals thereof.