Input Circuit for Multi-Source Power Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices are typically designed for a single form of power supply, limiting their ability to adapt to different energy sources such as power supply units, fuel cells, or solar panels.
Innovation Solution
An input circuit with a switching unit and monitoring unit that allows for multiple paths to connect various energy sources, including mains voltage and battery units, ensuring the electronic unit receives the required supply voltage by redirecting or interrupting power paths as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If field devices are designed for a single form of power supply, then the device structure can be simplified, but the adaptability to different energy sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input circuit is designed to accept multiple forms of power supply (mains voltage, battery units, fuel cells, solar panels) through a single unified interface. The circuit automatically detects the power source type and configures the internal switching elements accordingly, allowing the field device to operate with various energy sources without requiring separate input circuits for each power type.
Solution Approach 2:
The input circuit incorporates switching elements that dynamically reconfigure the circuit topology based on the detected power source type. When mains voltage is detected, the circuit configures for high-voltage input; when battery or low-voltage sources are detected, it reconfigures accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to serve multiple power supply functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply options are provided, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of incorrect power supply connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input circuit includes a monitoring unit that continuously detects the type of power source connected and provides feedback to the switching unit. Based on this feedback, the switching unit automatically configures the circuit appropriately. This closed-loop control ensures that the circuit is always correctly configured for the connected power source, preventing damage from incorrect connections while maintaining multiple power supply options.
Solution Approach 2:
Before power transmission is enabled, the monitoring unit performs preliminary detection of the power source type and pre-configures the switching elements to the appropriate state. This preliminary action ensures that when power is applied, the circuit is already in the correct configuration, preventing misconnection damage and ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If a switching unit and monitoring unit are added, then power supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring unit and switching unit are integrated into a single cohesive input circuit module that handles both detection and configuration functions. By merging these functions into one unified circuit design rather than separate independent systems, the patent reduces overall complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of both monitoring and switching capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An input circuit for providing a supply voltage, which input circuit has a first input on the input side, wherein the input circuit has at the output end an output which serves to connect an electronic unit. The supply voltage can be transmitted via the first input to the output of the input circuit, and the first input of the input circuit is connected via a first path to the output of the input circuit. In the first path a switching unit is provided which serves for connecting the first input to an auxiliary connection of the input circuit.