DC/DC Converter with Series Primary Parallel Secondary Transformers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DC/DC converters with multiple transformers face challenges in achieving uniform output due to variations in inverter circuit outputs, leading to inconsistencies in parallel output at the secondary side.

Innovation Solution

The proposed DC/DC converter design includes primary side coils connected in series and secondary side coils connected in parallel across transformers, with specific AC resistance settings to absorb oscillations and reduce ringing, ensuring equal current flow through primary side coils and proportional voltages, thereby enhancing output uniformity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple transformers are operated in parallel with conventional connections, then the output capacity is increased, but output uniformity deteriorates due to inverter circuit variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput capacityVSAvoidoutput uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the primary side coils into separate groups for each transformer (first primary side coil group for first transformer, second primary side coil group for second transformer) and connects them in series. This segmentation allows each transformer to operate independently while maintaining uniform current flow, resolving the output uniformity issue when multiple transformers are operated in parallel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection dimension by connecting primary side coils in series rather than the conventional parallel connection. This dimensional change in circuit topology ensures that current flows uniformly through all primary side coils regardless of inverter circuit variations, while still achieving increased output capacity through parallel transformer operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If primary side coils are connected in series, then output uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput uniformityVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the primary side coils of multiple transformers into a series connection configuration, combining them into a single current path. This merging approach simplifies the overall connection structure by eliminating the need for complex parallel connection control while achieving uniform current distribution across all transformers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates homogeneity in the circuit by ensuring that all primary side coils carry the same current through series connection. This homogeneous current distribution simplifies the control logic and reduces the complexity of managing multiple transformers, as uniform current flow naturally balances the load across all units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Length of stationary object

If coils are arranged distributedly on different axes, then profile is reduced, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprofileVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent distributes coil groups along different axes (first coil group along first axis, second coil group along second axis) to reduce the vertical profile. The series connection is achieved by extending connection wiring in the horizontal direction rather than stacking vertically, thereby reducing profile while maintaining connection simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting coils vertically in series (which would increase profile), the patent inverts the connection approach by arranging coils distributedly on different axes and connecting them horizontally. This inverted spatial arrangement reduces the vertical profile while achieving series connection through horizontal wiring extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration achieves uniform and stable secondary side parallel output, reduces the size of the converter, and simplifies the connection structure, leading to improved efficiency and a lower profile design.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil pair having a primary side first coil and a secondary side first coil magnetically coupled; a second coil pair having a primary side second coil and a secondary side second coil magnetically coupled; a third coil pair having a primary side third coil and a secondary side third coil magnetically coupled; and a fourth coil pair having a primary side fourth coil and a secondary side fourth coil magnetically coupled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1981158B1Indirect d.c. converter with parallel transformers having planar windings
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 TDK CORP
  • EP1981158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1981158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1981158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the switching supply such as a DC/DC converter, since primary side coils provided in two transformers are mutually connected in series, voltage variation generated in parallel-connected secondary side coils can be suppressed, and the uniformity of secondary side parallel output can be enhanced even in case of voltage value fluctuations or the like caused by variation in the output of an inverter circuit.