DC-DC Converter Output Capacitor Isolation During Overvoltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-isolated DC-DC converters in electronic apparatuses face challenges as the output capacitor can be damaged due to unstepped-down input voltage when the switching device is short-circuited, necessitating a protection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protection switching device and a protection circuit with an overvoltage detector and distribution resistors to control the operation of the protection switching device, preventing overvoltage from reaching the output capacitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a touchscreen display device is made thinner and more integrated, then portability and aesthetic appeal are improved, but physical buttons for volume control and mute functions are eliminated, making audio control inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a haptic feedback mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the audio control system. When the user touches or swipes on the touchscreen, the haptic actuator provides tactile feedback that simulates the sensation of pressing physical buttons, allowing audio control without physical buttons while maintaining user convenience
2Shape
If physical buttons are removed to achieve a sleeker design, then device aesthetics and integration are improved, but tactile feedback for volume control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the absence of physical buttons (a harmful factor for tactile feedback) into a benefit by using the touchscreen surface itself to generate haptic feedback. The touchscreen acts as both the display interface and the control interface, providing tactile sensation through the screen surface when users interact with it for audio control
3Device complexity
If the device uses only software-based controls, then device complexity is reduced, but user interaction becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a haptic feedback system that uses electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuators to generate tactile sensations. This substitution maintains software-based control simplicity while restoring tactile feedback through non-mechanical means, making interaction more intuitive without adding mechanical complexity
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
Effectively protects the output capacitor from damage by disconnecting it from the inductor during overvoltage conditions, ensuring stable operation and extending the lifespan of the converter.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic actuator that generates haptic feedback when a user touches or swipes the touchscreen display
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a power supply configured to supply power to loads, the power supply including a converter including a switching device operating by a switching mode method, an inductor and an output capacitor, and configured to provide an output voltage converted in level from an input voltage, a protection switching device provided between the inductor and the output capacitor and turned on or off to selectively connect the inductor and the output capacitor, and a protection circuit configured to provide a control voltage to turn on the protection switching device based on voltage applied between the inductor and the protection switching device and being lower than or equal to a threshold level corresponding overvoltage, and turn off the protection switching device based on the voltage applied between the inductor and the protection switching device and being higher than the threshold level, and the control voltage being varied depending on variation in the input voltage or the output voltage and having a level corresponding to a threshold voltage for turning on or off the protection switching device.