Power Converter Start Circuit with Voltage Control Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power supply systems, output voltage errors lead to uneven power distribution among converters, causing abnormal output power, which can result in the load recharging the power converter, leading to control chip malfunction and potential component burnout due to high voltage attempts to reactivate the starting circuit.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with a rectifier unit, first and second boost modules, a start circuit, a switch, and a control unit, where the control unit selectively conducts voltage to the boost modules, turning off the switch when a predetermined voltage is received, preventing continuous high voltage exposure to the starting circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control chip continuously attempts to reactivate the starting circuit, then the control chip tries to restore normal operation, but the starting circuit components (e.g., resistor) burn out due to unbearable high voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol chip operationVSAvoidhigh voltage damage to starting circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a protection circuit that activates before the starting circuit components can be damaged. The protection circuit includes a detection unit that monitors voltage levels and a control unit that preemptively opens a switch when abnormal voltage is detected, preventing the high voltage from reaching the starting circuit components before they can burn out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by inserting a protection circuit between the power supply and the starting circuit. This intermediary protection circuit includes a switch that acts as a mediator to block abnormal high voltage from reaching the starting circuit components, while still allowing normal operation when voltage levels are appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If power converters supply power to the load, then the power supply system operates, but output voltage errors cause uneven power distribution and abnormal output power in some converters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply operationVSAvoidpower distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a detection unit that continuously monitors the output voltage of the power converter and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the switch state to maintain stable and uniform power distribution, compensating for output voltage errors in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the load inversely recharges the power via the output of the power converter, then the power converter operates, but errors occur in the feedback detection and control operations are terminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower converter operationVSAvoidfeedback detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a protection circuit that detects and blocks reverse charging current before it can interfere with the feedback detection system. The detection unit identifies abnormal voltage conditions indicative of reverse charging, and the control unit preemptively opens the switch to prevent the reverse current from causing feedback detection errors and control termination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-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

Prevents component burnout by controlling voltage distribution and preventing reverse charging, ensuring stable operation and extending the lifespan of power converter components.

Implementation Method 1

The rectifier unit is configured to generate a first voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

The first boost module is electrically coupled to the rectifier unit and configured to generate a second voltage according to the first voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The start circuit is electrically coupled to the first boost module and configured to provide a third voltage according to the second voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

The second boost module is electrically coupled to the start circuit, and configured to generate a fourth voltage according to the third voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10312796B1Power supply system and power converter with start circuit for boost modules
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 CHICONY POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US10312796B1 patent drawing
  • US10312796B1 patent drawing
  • US10312796B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system includes multiple power converters. The output terminals of the power converters are coupled to each other. The power converter includes a rectifier unit, a first boost module, a start circuit, a second boost module, a first switch and a control unit. The control unit is electrically coupled to the rectifier unit, the first boost module and the first switch. After the second boost module receives the third voltage, a fourth voltage is delivered by the first switch from the second boost module to the first boost module. When the control unit receives the first voltage for a predetermined time, the control unit turns off the first switch and stops outputting the fourth voltage to the first boost module.