Power Supply Circuit for Display Unit with Dynamic Capacitor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply circuits for liquid crystal display units face challenges in reducing power consumption while preventing latch-up due to varying capacitance and leak currents, especially when repeatedly turning ON/OFF in short times, leading to increased power consumption and potential latch-up issues.

Innovation Solution

A power supply circuit with switches that control the connection to capacitance elements based on use modes, allowing for selective discharge and storage of charges to prevent latch-up and minimize power consumption, featuring a normal mode and a short time ON/OFF mode to manage voltage output and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If charges are held in capacitors to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but latch-up may occur due to voltage differences between capacitors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatch-up prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection state between the power supply circuit and capacitors changeable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically switches between connecting and disconnecting capacitors from the power supply circuit depending on whether the system is in normal operation or screen saver mode, allowing optimal power management while preventing latch-up through controlled disconnection during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the power supply circuit and capacitors, managing the connection and disconnection timing. It coordinates the power supply circuit's voltage output with the capacitors' charge state, ensuring that capacitors are properly discharged or maintained based on operational mode, thereby preventing latch-up while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If capacitors are disconnected from power supply to hold charges, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage levels become inconsistent across capacitors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage level consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the connection state of each capacitor based on real-time operational requirements. During screen saver mode, capacitors are disconnected to hold charges and save power. During normal operation, they are reconnected to restore consistent voltage levels. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power savings and voltage consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic connection and disconnection of capacitors based on operational modes. Capacitors are periodically reconnected to the power supply circuit at appropriate intervals to recharge and maintain voltage consistency, while being disconnected during extended idle periods to conserve power. This periodic action balances power consumption with voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If capacitors are repeatedly connected and disconnected, then power consumption is reduced, but latch-up risk increases due to varying capacitance and leak current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatch-up prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses feedback about the operational mode (normal operation vs. screen saver) to determine when to connect or disconnect capacitors. It monitors system state and adjusts capacitor connection accordingly, ensuring that capacitors are only disconnected during stable idle periods when latch-up risk is minimized, while maintaining power savings during screen saver mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively disconnecting capacitors before entering screen saver mode and reconnecting them before normal operation resumes. This preliminary timing management ensures that capacitors are in the optimal state for each operational mode, preventing latch-up conditions while maximizing power savings during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively prevents latch-up and reduces power consumption by managing charge storage and discharge in the capacitors, ensuring efficient operation during repeated ON/OFF cycles without significant power wastage.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply circuit having outputs connected to a plurality of capacitance elements and supplying power to a plurality of drivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

switching connection of the power supply circuit and the capacitance elements depending on a use mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical charge storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7965045B2Power supply circuit for display unit and display unit
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP
  • US7965045B2 patent drawing
  • US7965045B2 patent drawing
  • US7965045B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply circuit for display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply circuit having outputs connected to a plurality of capacitance elements and supplying power to a plurality of drivers, and a controller switching connection of the power supply circuit and the capacitance elements depending on a use mode. The use mode includes a first use mode connecting one terminals of the capacitance elements to the power supply circuit or ground potential and a second use mode connecting one ends of the capacitance elements to the power supply circuit or floating one terminals of the capacitance elements.