H-Bridge Generator Control with Transistor Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric generation control devices for movable bodies, such as vehicles, face reliability issues due to the need for a large number of configuration elements in existing regeneration systems, leading to decreased reliability and inability to effectively regenerate field magnetic energy.
Innovation Solution
An electric generation control device with a H-bridge circuit that includes excitation and regeneration switching means, capable of regenerating field magnetic energy and detecting short circuit or open failures in power transistors, allowing continued operation and alerting the user to failures, thereby enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a bridge circuit with four pairs of power transistors is used to regenerate field magnetic energy, then the field magnetic energy can be regenerated to the battery, but the number of configuration elements increases and the reliability of each element decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting potential failures before they cause complete system breakdown. The failure detection circuit continuously monitors the bridge circuit components, and when a failure is detected, the control circuit preemptively switches to an alternative operating mode that bypasses the failed component, allowing the system to continue operating with reduced functionality rather than complete failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the bridge circuit by switching between different operating modes. When all components are functional, the system operates in full bridge mode for optimal energy regeneration. When component failures are detected, the system parameter changes to single-transistor or diode-based operating modes, adjusting the circuit configuration to match the available functional components while maintaining basic regeneration capability.
2Loss of energy
If a bridge circuit with four pairs of power transistors is used to regenerate field magnetic energy, then the field magnetic energy can be regenerated to the battery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that can perform multiple functions through different operating modes. The same bridge circuit hardware structure serves multiple purposes: full-bridge regeneration when all components are functional, single-transistor regeneration when some components fail, and even basic operation using only diodes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backup circuits or alternative hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic failure detection and mode switching. The system monitors its own component status and autonomously transitions between operating modes without external intervention. When component failures occur, the control circuit automatically detects the failure condition and reconfigures the bridge circuit operation, allowing the system to self-correct and continue functioning without requiring manual reconfiguration or external control.
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 enables high reliability electric generation by regenerating field magnetic energy and providing warnings for failures, ensuring continued operation and improved system reliability compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an exciting control circuit which is made of a H bridge circuit capable of regenerating the field magnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
The excitation switching means is composed of a pair of arms in four arms forming a H bridge circuit, configured to perform ON and OFF switching between the field winding of the electric generator driven by revolution of an engine and charging means supplying a current to the field winding
Implementation Method 3
The regeneration switching means is composed of another pair of arms in the four arms forming the H bridge circuit. The regeneration switching means is configured to charge the current flowing in the field winding to the charging means during OFF state of the excitation switching means
Data Source
AI summary
An electric generation control device detects the occurrence of a failure such as a short circuit failure and an open failure in one of a pair of power transistors, which form a H bridge circuit composed of excitation switching elements and regeneration switching elements for controlling the electric generation of an electric generator, by measuring a voltage difference between both end terminals of a field winding of the electric generator. When detecting the failure of the power transistor based on the voltage difference measured, the electric generation control device provides warning of the occurrence of the failure through a charge lamp and controls the operation of by using the remaining normal power transistors in order to continue the electric generation of the electric generator.