Implantable Backup Capacitor Switching for Inrush Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical devices with high back-up capacitance experience increased inrush current during switch-on, leading to potential data loss, power source overload, or unintended resets due to high internal resistance in the power source.
Innovation Solution
The method involves disconnecting and reconnecting back-up capacitors individually or in groups using switching elements, with staggered timing to distribute the inrush current over time, allowing for the reduction and limitation of the maximum inrush current through the use of semiconductor switching elements like MOSFETs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If back-up capacitors are connected to sustain voltage during switching processes, then voltage stability is improved, but inrush current increases during switch-on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the back-up capacitors into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) and connects them to different supply-potential lines. Each group is switched on at different times during device initialization, segmenting the total inrush current into smaller sequential current pulses rather than a single large simultaneous current draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary switching control where the first group of back-up capacitors is connected to the supply-potential line before the second and third groups. This staged preliminary action allows the power source to gradually charge each capacitor group, preventing the simultaneous inrush current that would occur if all capacitors were connected at once.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple back-up capacitors are connected in parallel to increase back-up capacitance, then voltage sustaining capability is improved, but inrush current peak increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting all back-up capacitors simultaneously to achieve high total capacitance, the patent segments them into multiple groups connected to different supply-potential lines. Each group contributes to the total back-up capacitance but charges sequentially, transforming a single high inrush current peak into multiple lower current pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching control where different groups of back-up capacitors are connected at different time intervals during device initialization. This periodic action distributes the charging process over time, maintaining the necessary total capacitance while reducing the instantaneous current peak that would occur with simultaneous connection.
3Device complexity
If a single switching element controls all back-up capacitors, then device complexity is reduced, but inrush current cannot be distributed over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the back-up capacitors into multiple groups, each controlled by its own switching element connected to different supply-potential lines. This segmentation of the switching control system enables independent timing control of each capacitor group, allowing inrush current distribution over time while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary control logic that activates switching elements in a predetermined sequence during device initialization. The first switching element controls connection of the first group of capacitors, followed by subsequent switching elements controlling additional groups, creating a staged preliminary action that distributes inrush current while using a relatively small number of switching elements.
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 approach effectively reduces the peak inrush current, preventing data loss and power source damage by leveling the current load during device switch-on and managing inrush currents in power-saving modes, ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the inrush current pulse, which otherwise appears simultaneously, concentrated at all the back-up capacitors, can now be distributed over time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for reducing the inrush current of an electrical device operated by means of a battery and/or an accumulator, which device is designed as a medical device which can be implanted in a patient and has an electronic circuit which is supplied with electrical energy via at least two supply potential lines, wherein the electronic circuit has a plurality of backup capacitors, each of which is connected or connectable by means of a first terminal to one of the at least two supply potential lines and by means of a second terminal to another of the at least two supply potential lines, wherein the electrical device has an energy management system by means of which one or more parts of the electronic circuit are switched off in an energy-saving mode and are switched on again when the energy-saving mode is exited, wherein the backup capacitors, individually or in a plurality of groups via one switching element per capacitor or group of capacitors, are disconnected from at least one of the supply potential lines in a switched-off state of the switching element and can be connected thereto in a switched-on state of the switching element, wherein the switching elements are switched on with at least a partial time delay relative to one another when the electrical device is switched on and when the circuit parts which are switched off in the energy-saving mode are switched on again.