Integrated Overcurrent and Overvoltage Protection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input power port protection systems using multiple discrete devices for overcurrent and overvoltage protection often result in unpredictable interactions, leading to irregular failure modes and increased complexity and cost, as these components may not be properly matched, causing damage to downstream components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated input power protection device that combines overcurrent and overvoltage protection portions, where heat from the overcurrent protection portion can trigger a thermal change in the overvoltage protection portion to switch from a voltage regulation state to a shorted state, and vice versa, ensuring coordinated protection without the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete devices are used for overcurrent and overvoltage protection, then protection coverage is improved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete protection devices (overcurrent protection device and overvoltage protection device) into a single integrated protection device. The overcurrent protection portion and overvoltage protection portion are housed within the same enclosure with shared terminals, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete devices are used for protection, then protection functionality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple protection functions into a single device, the patent reduces the total component count, assembly steps, and manufacturing overhead. The shared enclosure, terminals, and housing structure lower material costs and production complexity compared to using multiple separate discrete devices.
3Reliability
If separate components are used for overcurrent and overvoltage protection, then protection specialization is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both overcurrent and overvoltage protection functions into a single replaceable unit with standardized terminals. This allows the entire protection assembly to be installed as one component, dramatically reducing assembly time compared to installing multiple separate devices while maintaining specialized protection functions through internal design.
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 integrated solution simplifies assembly, reduces production costs, and minimizes the risk of undesirable failure modes by ensuring that overcurrent and overvoltage protection components operate in a coordinated and matched manner, effectively protecting the load from both conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heat produced by the overcurrent protection portion
Implementation Method 2
overvoltage protection portion electrically and thermally coupled to an overcurrent protection portion
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overvoltage protection portion, and an overcurrent protection portion operably coupled to the overvoltage protection portion such that heat produced by the overcurrent protection portion at a current below a rated current of the overcurrent protection portion causes the overvoltage protection portion to change from a voltage regulation state to a shorted state.