Electrical Distribution Device Centralized DC/DC Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution systems, such as those in aircraft, are inefficient due to the use of numerous and varied components in power controllers and local power supply paths, leading to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of local DC/DC type converters and a common energy reservoir within the power supply paths allows direct power supply to power controllers and local controllers without intermediate conversion, reducing the number of components and types needed, and incorporating filters and converters to manage power and prevent fault propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DC/DC converters are included in each local power supply path, then power conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the DC/DC conversion function from individual local power supply paths into a single centralized DC/DC converter. This converter is shared by multiple power supply paths, eliminating the need for separate converters in each path while maintaining the required power conversion capability across all paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized DC/DC converter serves multiple power supply paths simultaneously, making it a universal component that performs the same conversion function for different loads. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized converters with a single versatile unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple DC/DC converters are used in power controllers and local power supply paths, then power supply flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple DC/DC converters into a single centralized unit, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs. The centralized converter maintains power supply flexibility by serving multiple paths, while the reduction in component variety simplifies the manufacturing process and lowers overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous components are used in power controllers and local power supply paths, then power distribution capability is improved, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple DC/DC converters and their associated components into a single centralized converter unit. This consolidation maintains the ability to distribute power to multiple paths while significantly reducing the overall system volume by eliminating redundant components and interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the power supply paths, reduces component count and size, and enhances system reliability by eliminating the need for DC/DC converters in local power supply paths, while maintaining power integrity through a common energy reservoir and fault protection mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

each power controller and each local controller include a local DC/DC type converter and that can be coupled to each local power supply path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC/DC conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an energy reservoir coupled to each local power supply path, to the local converter of at least one power controller and to the local converter of at least one local controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11258254B2Electrical distribution device comprising at least one power controller

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER

AI summary

An electrical distribution device includes at least one power controller that is connectable to at least one electrical body, at least one local controller used to interface at least one power controller with at least one external calculator, and at least one local power supply path for powering at least one power controller and each local controller. Each power controller and each local controller includes a local DC/DC-type converter for coupling to each local power supply path. The device also includes an energy reservoir coupled to each local power supply path and to the local converters of the power controllers and the local controller.