Electric Harness With Auxiliary Energy Storage for Inrush Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face issues when a secondary electronic device draws a brief inrush of electric current exceeding the supply capacity of the primary device, leading to overcurrent conditions that can damage the primary device or cause it to disconnect power, resulting in failure of the secondary device to perform its intended functions.
Innovation Solution
An electric harness with a main branch and an auxiliary branch, featuring an electronic current limiter, a main one-way switch, and an electric energy storage device, such as a supercapacitor, to manage the inrush current by providing additional current without triggering overcurrent events in the primary device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the secondary electronic device draws inrush current to activate electromechanical modules, then the device can perform its intended functions, but the primary electronic device experiences overcurrent conditions that may cause damage or power disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The current supply path is segmented into a main branch (for steady-state current) and an auxiliary branch (for inrush current). The auxiliary branch contains an energy storage device that segments the inrush current supply from the primary device, allowing the secondary device to receive sufficient current without overloading the primary device.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary branch with an energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the primary electronic device and the secondary electronic device. This intermediary supplies the inrush current during activation, protecting the primary device from overcurrent conditions while enabling the secondary device to function properly.
2Power
If the primary electronic device supplies sufficient current for inrush conditions, then the secondary device can activate successfully, but the primary device may be damaged or disconnect power
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent paths: the main branch handles steady-state current within the primary device's safe limits, while the auxiliary branch handles inrush current demands. This segmentation allows the system to provide high power during activation without compromising the primary device's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device in the auxiliary branch is pre-charged during normal operation and automatically discharges during inrush conditions. This preliminary action prepares the auxiliary branch to deliver the necessary current burst without requiring the primary device to exceed its safe operating limits.
3Reliability
If the primary device limits current to prevent damage, then the primary device remains protected, but the secondary device cannot receive sufficient current for activation
Solution Approach 1:
The current supply is segmented into protected steady-state current through the main branch and unprotected inrush current through the auxiliary branch. The energy storage device in the auxiliary branch provides the additional current needed for activation without exposing the primary device to overcurrent conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The main branch and auxiliary branch are merged at the load end to provide combined current to the secondary device. During activation, both branches contribute current (the limited steady-state current from the main branch plus the inrush current from the auxiliary branch), achieving sufficient total power while maintaining primary device protection.
4Device complexity
If an electric harness without auxiliary branch is used, then the design remains simple, but the secondary device cannot overcome inrush current limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The electric harness is segmented into a simple main branch for continuous current and an auxiliary branch with energy storage for inrush current. This segmentation adds only the necessary components to handle activation demands while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular.
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 ensures the secondary device receives the required current without overloading the primary device, preventing damage and ensuring the secondary device functions correctly, while maintaining a compact and portable design.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic current limiter configured to limit a main electric current supplied by the primary electronic device via the supply end on the main branch to a main current limit
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary branch comprises an electric energy storage device and an auxiliary one-way switch connecting the electric energy storage device to the load end
Data Source
AI summary
A method by an electric harness for supplying electric power from a primary electronic device to a secondary electronic device that makes inrush current demands. The electric harness includes a main branch with a current limiter, and a secondary branch with an electric energy storage device. When the secondary electronic device makes an inrush current demand, the electric energy storage device supplies an auxiliary electric current in the auxiliary branch which when added to a main current in the main branch, meets the inrush current demands.