Discharge Device for Electronic Power-Down Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face unexpected voltage errors due to improper power-off procedures, where internal power levels are not discharged to low voltage levels in sync with external power reductions, leading to potential circuit errors.

Innovation Solution

A discharge device comprising a voltage regulation circuit, charge storage circuit, control signal generator, and discharge path that generates a control signal based on external power voltage levels to effectively discharge internal power to a low voltage level, ensuring timely and controlled power-down processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the external power is controlled by the client without following the power off procedure, then the client has flexibility in power control, but the internal power voltage level becomes unexpected and causes errors in internal circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control flexibilityVSAvoidinternal circuit operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a discharge device as an intermediary component between the external power control and internal circuits. This device includes a discharge path with a discharge transistor that actively manages internal power discharge, mediating the mismatch between external power control flexibility and internal circuit reliability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control signal generator monitors the voltage level of external power and generates control signals based on this feedback. When external power drops below a threshold, the system automatically activates the discharge path to maintain internal power at safe levels, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures reliability despite external control variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the internal power is not discharged to low voltage level in time when external power is reduced, then the power off procedure is simplified, but unexpected errors occur in internal circuits due to voltage mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower off procedureVSAvoidinternal circuit operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary discharge action by monitoring external power voltage levels and proactively activating the discharge path before internal power can reach unsafe levels. The control signal generator detects external power drops and triggers discharge transistors in advance, preventing voltage mismatch errors before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/procedural power control with an electronic control system that uses voltage level detection and automatic signal generation. Instead of relying on strict procedural compliance, the electronic system automatically substitutes the discharge control function, maintaining reliability without requiring manual procedure adherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a discharge device is added to control internal power discharge, then internal power can be reliably discharged to low voltage level, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal power discharge controlVSAvoiddischarge device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge device is segmented into distinct functional modules: voltage level detection circuitry, control signal generator, and discharge path with discharge transistors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving reliable power discharge control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11606023B2Discharge device for discharging internal power of electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A discharge device is provided. The discharge device discharges an internal power of an electronic device. The discharge device includes a voltage regulation circuit, a charge storage circuit, a control signal generator and a discharge path. The voltage regulation circuit regulates the internal power to a regulated power. The charge storage circuit stores the regulated power. The control signal generator is configured to receive the regulated power and an external power, enabled according to the regulated power, and generating a control signal in response to a voltage level of the external power. The discharge path is configured to receive the internal power, and turned on according to the control signal to discharge the internal power.