Integrated Control Circuit for Actuator Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of DC/DC converters makes them prohibitive for use in portable household actuating devices, which require efficient power management to drive loads such as air freshening systems and nebulizers.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic control circuit with a microcontroller and passive components that eliminates the need for a DC/DC converter by performing both voltage control and drive functions, reducing the number of required ASICs and simplifying electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a DC/DC converter is used to convert single variable voltage to multiple controlled voltages, then power management efficiency and continuous operation are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage control function and drive function into a single integrated electronic control circuit, eliminating the need for a separate DC/DC converter. The microcontroller directly controls the power switch to regulate voltage to the actuator, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified circuit that reduces component count and overall device cost while maintaining power management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electronic control circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a voltage regulator (controlling power to the actuator) and a drive circuit (providing the drive signal to the actuator). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated DC/DC converter hardware, achieving cost reduction while maintaining the ability to provide continuous operation and efficient power management
2Area of stationary object
If a DC/DC converter is used to generate multiple voltages from a single variable battery voltage, then space utilization is improved by eliminating multiple batteries, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage conversion function and actuator drive function into a single integrated control circuit, eliminating the need for a separate DC/DC converter module. This integration maintains space-efficient single-battery operation while reducing device cost by removing redundant converter components
3Ease of manufacture
If an integrated electronic control circuit with microcontroller and passive components is used instead of DC/DC converter, then device cost is reduced, but power management capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller in the integrated electronic control circuit autonomously performs both voltage regulation and actuator driving functions without requiring external DC/DC converter control logic. The microcontroller generates appropriate control signals to regulate power to the actuator while maintaining efficient power management, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for expensive converter hardware
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device including a load and an integrated electronic control circuit comprising a microcontroller and at least one passive component. The microcontroller performs the dual function of providing a control signal to generate sufficient power to actuate a load and a drive signal to drive the load.