Dynamic Bus Current Control for High-Density Device Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus systems face limitations in the number of bus devices that can be connected due to maximum current constraints, which restrict energy availability to consumers, especially when each device draws a maximum current, leading to inefficiencies and potential violations of operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically adjust the bus current based on prevailing conditions, using a current source with a programmable maximum current value and load control mechanisms to manage energy distribution across multiple loads, ensuring compliance with bus specifications without exceeding maximum current limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the maximum current of the bus current is limited by the current source to a predetermined value determined by the current provided by the current source and/or the current flowing via the outputs and/or the voltage present at the load terminals and/or a temperature measured in or on the bus device, then the reliability and compliance with bus specifications are improved, but the quantity of energy available to consumers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with bus specificationsVSAvoidquantity of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum current limit adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the current limit based on actual bus conditions (temperature, voltage, current measurements) to optimize energy distribution while maintaining compliance. This allows the system to transition between conservative and aggressive energy distribution modes depending on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of maximum current limit from a static predetermined value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. The control device modifies this parameter based on measured bus conditions (temperature, voltage, current), enabling the system to adapt the energy distribution strategy to match actual operating conditions, thereby maximizing energy availability while ensuring compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If further information is collected via further measuring elements to control the current source, then the precision of energy management is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of energy managementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by incorporating measuring elements that continuously monitor bus conditions (temperature, voltage, current) and feed this information back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to adjust the current source output, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy distribution based on actual bus state, thereby improving measurement precision and energy management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the switch switches to a branch circuit when the bus voltage drops, then the stability of voltage supply is improved, but the productivity and maximum energy availability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of voltage supplyVSAvoidmaximum energy availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static, voltage-threshold-based switching mechanism with a dynamic control approach. The control device continuously monitors bus voltage and adjusts the current source output proportionally to maintain stable voltage supply without abruptly switching to branch circuits. This dynamic adjustment maintains stability while maximizing energy availability across the full range of operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2765713B1Method for providing electricity for at least one consumer device for connection to a bus device and ballast device for a consumer
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 ELMOS SEMICON AG
  • EP2765713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2765713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2765713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves coupling the bus device to a bus by two input terminals (22,23). One of the input terminal is arranged downstream a controllable current source. The current source provides current to a side assigned to the load and receives a bus current and a voltage from the side of the input terminals. A load separating device is provided for separating or deactivating a portion of the load. The separation and deactivation of the portion of the load takes place depending on the current intensity of the current source and load current intensity. An independent claim is included for a pre-switching unit for a load connected to a bus device.