Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with Variable Control Methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC-DC converters in actuators are limited by fixed voltage ratios, restricting their application range due to predetermined control methods, and typically designed for specific environments, limiting adaptability and economic efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional DC-DC converter with a controller that can change control methods, allowing for variable input and output voltage conversion, enabling adaptability to different environmental conditions and utilizing economies of scale in production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed ratio DC-DC converter is used, then the actuator can be designed for a specific application, but the application range is restricted and adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator design simplicityVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a DC-DC converter with variable conversion ratios that can dynamically adjust between different voltage ranges. The controller switches between first and second control methods to convert between a first voltage range and a second voltage range, or between the first voltage range and a third voltage range, enabling the actuator to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining a unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is designed with a universal DC-DC converter that can perform multiple voltage conversion functions. By incorporating a controller that selects between different control methods, the same actuator hardware can serve multiple applications with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a fixed control method is predetermined during manufacture, then the actuator can be produced efficiently, but the operational flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to dynamically select between a first control method and a second control method based on operational requirements. This dynamic control capability allows the actuator to maintain production efficiency through standardized hardware while achieving operational flexibility through software-based control method selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters and methods of the DC-DC converter based on different operational states. The controller adjusts conversion ratios and control strategies to optimize performance for different applications, enabling the same hardware to operate efficiently across multiple scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the voltage ratio is fixed, then the DC-DC converter can be simplified, but the ability to handle volatile energy sources and consumers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter structureVSAvoidenergy source adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The DC-DC converter incorporates dynamic voltage ratio adjustment capability, allowing it to adapt to volatile energy sources and consumers. The controller switches between different control methods to maintain stable operation despite variations in input voltage or load requirements, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors operational conditions and adjusts the conversion ratio and control method accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the converter to respond to changes in energy sources and consumers, maintaining stable performance while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances the economic efficiency and operational flexibility of actuators by allowing them to handle a wide range of input and output voltages, making them suitable for various applications, including volatile energy sources and consumers.

Implementation Method 1

a bidirectional DC-DC converter which converts an input voltage applied to an input side from a first voltage range into an output voltage applied to an output side in a second voltage range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3159998A1Actuator, system with actuator, energy supply unit for a vehicle on-board network, air conditioning device, power supply for electronic circuits, system for supplying energy to computing centre units, DC charger for electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 AMBIBOX
  • EP3159998A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3159998A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3159998A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An actuator comprising: • a DC connection on an input side and • a DC connection on an output side and • a bidirectional DC-DC converter interposed between the DC connection on the input side and the DC connection on the output side, wherein the DC-DC converter has at least one component whose operating state is controlled or regulated by a controller, wherein the control or regulation method performed by the controller for the at least one component of the DC-DC converter is variable, such that the actuator converts an input voltage from a first voltage range applied to the input side into an output voltage in a second voltage range applied to the output side, wherein the first voltage range is independent of the second voltage range because the controller can perform different control or regulation methods.can perform control procedures, and/or the actuator converts a variable input voltage applied at the input side into a variable output voltage applied at the output side by enabling the controller to perform different control procedures.