Current Output Apparatus with Polarity-Adaptive Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing current supply circuits face challenges in efficiently supplying power to both sink loads and source loads without excessive power dissipation, which can lead to heating and potential damage, especially in hazardous environments where safety standards require controlled voltage and current levels.

Innovation Solution

A current output apparatus with a voltage regulator that can adjust polarity and magnitude of voltage to suit either sink or source loads, using a combination of DC component voltages in variable proportions through pulse width modulation, allowing for efficient power delivery while minimizing power dissipation in circuit components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a dedicated current supply circuit is used for sink loads, then power dissipation is minimized in the supply apparatus, but the circuit cannot supply current to source loads efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower dissipation in current supply apparatusVSAvoidability to supply current to different load types

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The current supply apparatus is designed with a voltage regulator that can operate in multiple modes to serve both sink loads and source loads. The regulator can adjust its output voltage polarity and magnitude based on the load type, enabling a single circuit to fulfill multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulator incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow it to adapt its operating parameters in real-time based on the connected load characteristics. By detecting whether the load is a sink or source type, the regulator dynamically adjusts its voltage output to optimize power delivery and minimize dissipation in the supply apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the voltage regulator supplies current to source loads, then versatility is improved, but power dissipation in the apparatus increases causing heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to supply current to source loadsVSAvoidheating of circuit components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator changes its output voltage parameters (polarity and magnitude) based on the load type. When supplying current to source loads, the regulator adjusts these parameters to ensure that the voltage difference across the regulator remains minimal, thereby reducing power dissipation and preventing excessive heating of circuit components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If voltage polarity is fixed, then circuit design is simplified, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different load polarities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulator control circuitryVSAvoidcompatibility with different load polarities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator employs dynamic polarity control, switching between positive and negative voltage outputs based on the connected load type. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to accommodate both sink loads and source loads with opposite polarities while maintaining a unified circuit design that does not require separate dedicated circuits for each load type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 versatile and safe power supply to either sink or source loads by controlling voltage polarity and magnitude, reducing power dissipation and preventing overheating, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage regulator is provided and is operable to supply to the current output terminal an electrical voltage regulated to differ from an electrical voltage applied to the current input terminal by an amount sufficient to cause the electrical current to flow from the current output terminal to the current input terminal via the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11146178B2Current output

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 PEPPERL & FUCHS SE

AI summary

A current output apparatus adapted for electrical connection to a load to output an electrical current thereto. The apparatus comprises a current output terminal for connecting to a first terminal of the load to pass an electrical current thereto. A current input terminal is provided for connecting to a second terminal of the load to receive said electrical current returned from the load. A voltage regulator is operable to supply to the current output terminal an electrical voltage regulated to differ from an electrical voltage applied to the current input terminal by an amount sufficient to cause said electrical current to flow from the current output terminal to the current input terminal via the load. The voltage regulator is operable and arranged to supply to the current output terminal an electrical voltage of positive polarity or of negative polarity for supplying said electrical current to a load presenting to the current output terminal a voltage of positive polarity or of negative polarity, respectively.