Current Loop Fault Checking via Periodic Receiver Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power fault management systems require synchronization between power transmitters and receivers, which is burdensome, and they struggle to efficiently detect faults without disrupting normal operations or increasing electromagnetic compatibility/interference risks.
Innovation Solution
A fault managed power system that allows the power transmitter to monitor current levels on a current loop and control connectivity based on safety checks performed by periodically disconnecting the power receiver, without requiring synchronization, using AC-DC conversion circuits and isolation circuits to manage power transmission and detect faults asynchronously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization between power transmitter and receiver is implemented, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization requirement entirely from the system. Instead of requiring coordinated timing between transmitter and receiver, the fault detection mechanism operates independently at the receiver end, eliminating the complexity of synchronization mechanisms while maintaining fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiver independently performs safety checks by monitoring current levels and determining when to disconnect without needing to coordinate with the power transmitter. This self-service approach allows the receiver to autonomously manage fault detection, eliminating the need for complex synchronization protocols.
2Measurement precision
If continuous power monitoring is performed, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but electromagnetic interference risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic safety checks at the power receiver. The receiver determines when to disconnect from the current loop based on its own safety criteria, performing monitoring only at necessary intervals rather than continuously, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining adequate fault detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary safety check mechanism that operates at the receiver end without requiring continuous communication with the transmitter. This intermediary approach allows fault detection to occur through local current level monitoring rather than continuous high-frequency communication, reducing electromagnetic interference.
3Reliability
If power receiver periodically disconnects for safety checks, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial disconnection only when safety checks are required, rather than continuous disconnection. The power receiver autonomously determines the timing and duration of disconnections based on its own safety criteria, performing the minimum necessary action to ensure safety while maximizing operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiver performs safety checks in advance by monitoring current levels and determining when disconnection is necessary. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain continuous operation during safe periods while only interrupting when safety concerns arise, optimizing the balance between safety and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a power transmitter configured to provide power to a current loop, a power receiver configured to receive the power from the current loop. The power receiver is configured to, on a periodic basis, disconnect from the current loop to stop pulling power from the current loop for a period of time to enable a safety check to be performed by the power transmitter. The power transmitter is configured to: monitor current on the current loop; determine whether a current level on the current loop passes the safety check within a predetermined time interval since a determination that the current level was not within a safe range; and control connectivity of the power to the current loop depending on whether the safety check has or has not passed within the predetermined time interval.