DC/DC Converter Voltage Boosting for Electric Toy Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-operated toys using electric double-layer capacitors as a power source face short operation duration times due to rapid voltage decrease, especially when incorporating control circuits, making them unsuitable for extended use by infants and younger children.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a chopper-type step-up DC/DC converter to boost voltage from the electric double-layer capacitor and supply it to both the motive power source and control circuit, with features like constant voltage output and a minimum operable input voltage lower than the control circuit's requirements, ensuring extended operation duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an electric double-layer capacitor is used as a main power source, then the toy achieves light weight and fast charge capability, but the operation duration time becomes too short due to rapid voltage decrease
Solution Approach 1:
A DC/DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the electric double-layer capacitor and the loads. This converter mediates the voltage mismatch by boosting the decreasing capacitor voltage to maintain a stable output voltage, thereby extending the operational duration while ensuring reliable power supply to both the control circuit and motor
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by using a DC/DC converter that adjusts its conversion ratio based on the capacitor's discharge state. As the capacitor voltage decreases over time, the converter increases its boosting ratio to maintain constant output voltage, effectively extending the usable operation duration
2Device complexity
If a lower-capacity electric double-layer capacitor is used to reduce size and cost, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operation duration time becomes as short as 5 to 10 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter acts as an intermediary that enables smaller capacity capacitors to deliver extended operation times by efficiently managing the voltage decay curve and maintaining usable voltage levels for longer periods through controlled boosting
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric double-layer capacitor voltage decreases to the operable power source voltage of the control circuit, then the control circuit becomes inoperative, but the electrically-operated toy stops operation despite sufficient electric charge still remaining in the electric double-layer capacitor
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter serves as an intermediary power management device that decouples the capacitor voltage from the control circuit voltage requirements. It continues to boost voltage even when capacitor voltage drops below the control circuit's direct operating threshold, thereby extending the period during which both control and motor functions remain operational
Solution Approach 2:
The converter maintains continuous useful action by extending the operational window of the control circuit. It ensures that the control circuit receives adequate voltage throughout the capacitor's discharge cycle, preventing premature shutdown and maximizing the utilization of stored energy
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 significantly improves power source utilization, allowing electric double-layer capacitors to be used as a main power source for electrically-operated toys, providing operation duration times that satisfy users by extending the operational period of both the motive and control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an electric double-layer capacitor (hereinafter also referred to as a super capacitor) as a power source
Implementation Method 2
a chopper-type step-up DC/DC converter that boosts a voltage received from the electric double-layer capacitor and supplies the voltage as a power source to at least the electric motive power source
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide an electrically-operated toy that uses an electric double-layer capacitor as a main power source and yet can secure an operation duration time per charge that is long enough to fully satisfy the users who are infants, younger school children, etc. [Solution] Provided is an electrically-operated toy that includes: an electric double-layer capacitor acting as a main power source; a movable mechanism for realizing toy functions; an electric motive power source for operating the movable mechanism; and a chopper-type step-up DC/DC converter that boosts a voltage received from the electric double-layer capacitor and supplies the voltage as a power source to at least the electric motive power source.