Fault-Managed Power Loop Using Asynchronous Safety Checks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power fault management systems in electrical devices require synchronization between power transmitter and receiver, which adds implementation burden, and fail to effectively detect and prevent line-to-ground and line-to-line faults without isolating the power source.
Innovation Solution
A fault managed power system that operates asynchronously by periodically isolating the power receiver to allow for safety checks on the current loop, using a controller to monitor current levels and control connectivity based on safety thresholds, without requiring synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization between power transmitter and receiver is implemented, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power receiver autonomously performs safety checks by periodically isolating itself from the current loop and monitoring current levels. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex synchronization mechanisms between transmitter and receiver, while maintaining effective fault detection capability through the receiver's independent safety verification process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the power transmitter initiate and coordinate safety checks (synchronization approach), the invention inverts the approach by having the power receiver independently perform safety checks by periodically disconnecting and monitoring current levels. This inversion eliminates synchronization requirements while achieving the same fault detection goal
2Measurement precision
If power source isolation is implemented for safety checks, then fault detection precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power receiver performs safety checks periodically by isolating itself from the current loop at predetermined intervals. This periodic isolation allows for precise fault detection (line-to-ground and line-to-line faults) while minimizing disruption to power delivery, as the isolation occurs only briefly during scheduled safety check windows rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiver performs safety checks in advance before faults can develop into hazardous conditions. By periodically isolating and checking current levels proactively, the system detects potential faults early while maintaining continuous power delivery during normal operation, thus preserving productivity
3Reliability
If continuous power monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the power receiver performs safety checks periodically by isolating itself and measuring current levels at predetermined intervals. This periodic monitoring approach maintains safety by detecting faults when they occur, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring operations
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for power fault management that operates without power-source-side switching. A power transmitter is configured to provide power to a current loop, and a power receiver is configured to receive the power from the current loop. The power receiver is configured to, on a periodic basis, disconnect from the current loop to stop pulling power from current loop for a period of time to enable a safety check to be performed by the power transmitter. The power transmitter is configured to monitor current on the current loop, determine whether the current level on the current loop passes the safety check within a predetermined time interval since a determination that the current level was not within a safe range, and control connectivity of the power to the current loop based on whether the safety check has or has not passed within the predetermined time interval.