Fan Driver Program Updating Through Existing Control Pins

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fan devices require time-consuming and costly replacement of storage components when the driving program is determined to be incorrect or unsuitable, necessitating a more efficient method for updating the driving program.

Innovation Solution

A driving device and updating method that includes a signal converter, storage circuit, controller, driver, and detection circuit, which converts input signals, stores and updates the driving program based on a program update command within the existing pin configuration, eliminating the need for additional pins and reducing replacement costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the storage component is replaced to update the driving program, then the driving program can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving program correctnessVSAvoidupdate time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a copy of the driving program stored in the storage circuit, allowing updates to be made by writing to the existing storage circuit rather than replacing the entire storage component. This enables rapid program updates without the time-consuming process of component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the storage circuit from storing a fixed driving program to being able to receive and store updated driving program data through the detection circuit. This parameter change allows the storage circuit to transition between read-only and writable states, enabling efficient updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the storage component is replaced to update the driving program, then the driving program can be updated, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving program correctnessVSAvoidupdate cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing expensive storage components, the system creates a writable copy of the driving program in the existing storage circuit. This approach eliminates the need for costly component replacement while maintaining program correctness through verified update procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The storage circuit performs the update operation itself by receiving the new driving program data through the detection circuit and writing it to its own memory structure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external component replacement operations, reducing both cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional pins are added to update the driving program, then the program can be updated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram update capabilityVSAvoidpin configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit serves multiple functions: it detects control signals for normal fan operation and also detects program update commands. This multi-functionality allows the existing pin to handle both operational control and program updating without requiring additional pins, thereby maintaining simplicity while adding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the program update function with the existing control signal input function by using the same pin and detection circuit for both purposes. The detection circuit distinguishes between normal control commands and update commands through signal analysis, combining multiple functions into a single integrated interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11811406B2Driving device and driving-program updating method for fan
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 MIDASTEK MICROELECTRONICS
  • US11811406B2 patent drawing
  • US11811406B2 patent drawing
  • US11811406B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A driving device and a driving-program updating method are provided. The driving device includes a signal converter, a storage circuit, a controller, a driver, and a detection circuit. The signal converter receives a first signal and converts the first signal into a second signal. The storage circuit stores a driving program. The controller provides a control signal in response to the second signal and the driving program. The driver drives a fan unit in response to the control signal. The detection circuit detects whether the first signal includes a program update command. When the first signal includes the program update command, the detection circuit updates the driving program stored in the storage circuit based on the program update command.