Dual Output DC/DC Converter Selectable Voltage Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC/DC converters are inflexible and require significant time and cost to design for different voltage output levels, as each voltage level necessitates a new converter, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual output DC/DC converter with an integrated magnetic core featuring independent transformers and energy storage inductors, allowing for selectable voltage levels by modifying electrical connections, such as using jumpers, to switch between different output configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DC/DC converter is designed for a specific voltage output level, then the converter achieves optimized performance for that voltage, but the converter cannot be used for other voltage levels and requires a new design for each voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a DC/DC converter with a universal design that can output multiple voltage levels (X volts and 2X volts) using the same physical hardware. The converter achieves this through selectable output configurations that allow it to serve multiple voltage requirements without requiring separate converter designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between optimized performance and voltage adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the converter circuit, allowing the output voltage to be changed from X volts to 2X volts (or vice versa) through selectable connections. This dynamic adaptation capability enables the same converter to optimize performance for different voltage levels by reconfiguring its internal connections, rather than being fixed to a single voltage output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new DC/DC converter is designed for a different voltage level, then the converter provides the required voltage output, but significant time and cost are required for design even with knowledge of the previous design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal converter platform that can provide multiple voltage outputs (X and 2X volts) through selectable configurations. This eliminates the need to design a completely new converter for each voltage level, as the same physical converter can be reconfigured to provide different voltage outputs, thereby dramatically reducing design time and costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary design considerations by building the converter with inherent multi-voltage capability from the outset. The circuit is designed with selectable connections and configurations that allow it to provide different voltage levels without requiring subsequent redesign, thus performing the adaptation action in advance through the initial universal design approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new DC/DC converter is designed for a different voltage level, then the converter provides the required voltage output, but significant cost is incurred even with knowledge of the previous design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal converter design that can provide multiple voltage levels (X and 2X volts) using the same manufacturing process and components. This approach eliminates the need to manufacture separate converters for different voltage levels, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to provide different voltage outputs through selectable configurations.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective switching between two voltage levels, maintaining high efficiency and compact design, with the ability to select between voltage levels without altering the primary winding, thus reducing design time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a switched-mode converter in which a DC voltage is applied across an inductor or transformer in a manner to generate current flow for storing energy in components
Implementation Method 2
storing energy in components, such as capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing a DC/DC converter having a first configuration to output a first voltage level and a second configuration to output a second voltage level.