DC Converter Switchable Inductor Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converters face limitations in voltage conversion ratio and efficiency due to dependence on duty cycle and the addition of transformers, which increases circuit size and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A direct current converter with a voltage divider and a conversion circuit that includes switchable inductors and a controller to manage their parallel and series configurations, allowing for improved voltage conversion ratio and reduced stress on switching transistors, achieved through a cascaded switchable inductor structure and phase-controlled switch signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a duty cycle greater than 0.9 or less than 0.1 is used to enhance voltage conversion ratio, then the voltage conversion ratio is improved, but the efficiency of the DC-DC converter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inductor into multiple segments (first inductor and second inductor) that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the inductor, the circuit can achieve higher voltage conversion ratios without relying on extreme duty cycles, thus maintaining efficiency while improving voltage conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching configurations where the inductors can be connected in series or parallel based on different operating modes. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the converter to operate efficiently across a wide range of voltage conversion ratios without being constrained by fixed duty cycle limitations.
2Force
If a transformer component is incorporated into the DC-DC converter to enhance voltage conversion ratio, then the voltage conversion ratio is improved, but the circuit size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transformer component from the conventional DC-DC converter design. By removing the transformer, the circuit size and manufacturing costs are reduced while the voltage conversion function is achieved through the switched inductor topology and capacitor network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic coupling mechanism (transformer) with an electrical switching mechanism using controlled switches and capacitors. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic components, reducing circuit size and complexity while maintaining voltage conversion functionality.
3Device complexity
If conventional DC-DC converter topology is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage conversion ratio is limited by duty cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inductor into multiple independently controllable units, allowing the circuit to achieve higher voltage conversion ratios. The segmented inductor structure enables flexible configuration (series/parallel) that overcomes the duty cycle limitation of conventional topologies while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional circuit where the same inductor segments and switches can operate in different configurations to achieve various voltage conversion ratios. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate boost and buck circuits, maintaining simplicity while expanding functionality.
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 solution achieves a higher voltage conversion ratio with reduced discharging rate and lower stress on switching transistors, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective DC converter with improved conversion gain.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply charges the coupled inductors, n times of voltage are generated at the secondary ends of the coupled inductors correspondingly
Implementation Method 2
a first unidirectional conductor and a second unidirectional conductor; wherein the first unidirectional conductor is coupled between the divided voltage output terminal and the positive converted voltage output terminal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A direct current (DC) converter including a voltage divider (11) for dividing a voltage provided by a DC voltage source and a conversion circuit (12) is provided, the converter has a positive DC voltage input terminal, a negative DC voltage input terminal and a divided voltage output terminal; the conversion circuit (12) has a first switch (121), a second switch (122), an inductor unit (123), a first unidirectional conductor (DC1), a second unidirectional conductor (DC2), a positive converted voltage output terminal (OUTPUT+) and a negative converted voltage output terminal (OUTPUT-).