Constant Voltage DC Supply Device with Modular Battery Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional constant voltage DC supply devices are bulky, heavy, and expensive, requiring multiple batteries in series/parallel, which compromises safety and efficiency, and struggle to maintain a predetermined voltage due to battery characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A constant voltage DC supply device with a control unit that manages power between multiple power storage units and power generation units, ensuring a predetermined voltage is maintained by switching power sources and preventing overcharging, while using converters to adjust torque and employing heat insulation for temperature resilience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple batteries are combined in series/parallel to supply high voltage DC for long time, then the voltage supply duration is extended, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply durationVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is divided into multiple independent battery modules (first power storage unit and second power storage unit) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended operation duration through modular addition rather than increasing the size of a single battery, thereby managing weight more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different power storage units based on their charge states and operational requirements. The control unit monitors voltage levels and automatically transitions between batteries, enabling the system to adapt its configuration in real-time to maintain optimal performance without requiring excessive battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If multiple batteries are combined in series/parallel to supply high voltage DC, then the voltage output is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automatic voltage detection and switching mechanisms that operate without complex external control. The control unit automatically monitors the voltage of each power storage unit and switches between them based on predetermined criteria, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or sophisticated control systems while maintaining high voltage output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If constant voltage circuit is used to maintain predetermined voltage, then the voltage stability is improved, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex electronic constant voltage circuits with a simpler mechanical/electrical switching mechanism between multiple battery units. By utilizing the inherent voltage characteristics of fresh batteries and switching to them when voltage drops, the system achieves voltage stability without requiring expensive constant voltage regulation electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If multiple batteries are combined to supply high voltage DC, then the voltage output is increased, but the safety is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the power storage system into separate, isolated battery modules with independent control, the system reduces safety risks associated with large battery assemblies. Each module can be monitored and managed independently, containing potential failure modes and reducing the overall safety hazards while maintaining high voltage output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a lightweight, compact, and safer solution for long-term DC supply at a predetermined voltage, independent of battery characteristics, with improved efficiency and reduced weight, suitable for applications like electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of power storage units 10a and 10b

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a drive unit 30 connected to the plurality of power storage units 10a and 10b and rotating/driving by power supplied from any one of the power storage units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of the power generation units 40a and 40b connected to the drive units, respectively, and generating power by driving of the drive units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11693442B2Constant voltage DC supply device
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 KAMEZAWA TAKASHI
  • US11693442B2 patent drawing
  • US11693442B2 patent drawing
  • US11693442B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide a constant voltage DC supply device capable of supplying a direct current at a predetermined voltage for a long time irrespective of characteristics of a storage battery and the like. The constant voltage DC supply device for supplying a direct current at a predetermined voltage from a specific power generation unit, including: a plurality of power storage units 10a, 10b; a drive units 30 that is connected to the power storage units and rotating/driving by power supplied from any one of the power storage units; a plurality of the power generation units 40a, 40b connected to the drive units, respectively, and generating power by driving of the drive units; and a control unit 30 for controlling connection between the plurality of power storage units and the driving unit and between the power generation units other than the specific power generation unit 40b and the power storage units 40a, in which wherein the control unit executes control such that, when a voltage of the power storage unit supplying the power to the drive unit falls to a first voltage or less, the power is supplied from the power storage unit other than power storage part and to charge at least one power storage part other than that power storage unit is charged.