Forward Converter with Secondary LCD for Magnetic Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forward converters face challenges with magnetic core saturation due to unidirectional magnetization of high-frequency transformers, leading to increased current in switching tubes and potential damage, which limits their application and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A forward converter design with a secondary LCD connected in parallel to facilitate forward and backward energy transmission, utilizing a high-frequency transformer, switching tube, diodes, inductance, and capacitors to improve energy utilization and reduce circuit complexity and losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic reset circuit is added to prevent magnetic core saturation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic core saturation preventionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The forward inductance automatically performs the magnetic reset function during its normal operation. When the switching tube turns off, the forward inductance releases its stored energy through the secondary winding, which naturally resets the high-frequency transformer core without requiring any additional reset circuitry. The forward inductance serves dual purposes: energy storage and magnetic reset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The forward inductance is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it stores energy during the switching tube on-time, releases energy to the load during off-time, and provides the magnetic reset function for the high-frequency transformer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reset circuits while maintaining reliable operation.

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

2Reliability

If traditional RCD clamping circuit is used for magnetic reset, then reliability is improved, but loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic reset reliabilityVSAvoidexcitation energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of dissipating the excitation energy through a resistor as in traditional RCD circuits, this invention recovers the energy by transferring it through the forward inductance to the output load. The energy that would have been wasted is now utilized to power the load, significantly improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The excitation energy that causes magnetic core saturation (the harmful effect) is converted into a beneficial resource. By using this energy to drive the forward inductance and subsequently power the load, the previously harmful energy becomes useful power output, improving system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If active clamping technology is used to achieve magnetic reset, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic reset capabilityVSAvoidconverter circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit uses passive components (forward inductance, diodes, capacitors) that automatically perform the magnetic reset function without requiring active control circuits, microcontrollers, or complex feedback mechanisms. The reset action occurs naturally through the circuit's inherent operation during the switching cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex active clamping circuits with simple, inexpensive passive components. The forward inductance, diodes, and capacitors are basic components that are reliable, easy to manufacture, and do not require complex control logic or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If magnetic reset winding is added to return energy to input power, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy return capabilityVSAvoidtransformer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The forward inductance serves as both the energy storage element and the magnetic reset mechanism. During the switching tube on-time, it stores energy; during off-time, it releases energy to the load while simultaneously resetting the transformer core. This eliminates the need for separate reset windings on the transformer.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic reset function is extracted from the transformer structure itself and implemented through the forward inductance circuit. This removes the need for additional windings on the high-frequency transformer, simplifying its structure while maintaining the energy return capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances the utilization of excitation energy, improves overall efficiency, reduces power consumption, and allows for higher power output, making it suitable for larger power applications while simplifying the circuit structure and increasing reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a high-frequency transformer T, a switching tube S

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a switching tube S, the gate of the switching tube S is connected to the output end of the external controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemiconductor switching: Diode

Implementation Method 3

an inductance L1, the other end of the inductance L1 is connected to one end of the capacitor C1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy storage: Inductor

Implementation Method 4

a capacitor C1, the other end of the inductance L1 is connected to one end of the capacitor C1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 5

a diode D1, a diode D2, the first end of the secondary winding of the high-frequency transformer T is connected to the anode of the diode D1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11342850B2Forward converter with secondary LCD connected in parallel to realize forward and backward energy transmission
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 SHENZHEN YUNT DIGITAL POWER CO LTD
  • US11342850B2 patent drawing
  • US11342850B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a forward converter with secondary LCD connected in parallel to realize forward and backward energy transmission, comprising a forward converter main circuit and an energy transfer and transmission circuit. The forward converter main circuit includes a high-frequency transformer T, a switching tube S, a diode D1, a diode D2, an inductance L1, and a capacitor C1. The energy transfer and transmission circuit includes a diode D3, a capacitor C2 and an inductance L2.