Inverter Driver Configuration Unit for Flexible Appliance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliance devices lack flexibility in switching between non-isolated and isolated inverter drivers, limiting their adaptability to different operating conditions and efficiency in manufacturing, component, and cost efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a driver configuration unit that allows selective connection of inverter switches to either non-isolated or isolated inverter drivers, enabling flexible operation and improved efficiency through configurable driver connection points and isolation units for safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed inverter driver type is used in the household appliance device, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is straightforward, but the device lacks flexibility and adaptability to different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different inverter driver typesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver configuration unit is designed with multiple connection points that can accommodate different types of inverter drivers (isolated and non-isolated). This universal interface allows a single device structure to support multiple driver types, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each driver type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver configuration unit enables dynamic selection between different inverter driver types through configurable connection points. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between isolated and non-isolated drivers based on operational requirements, while the underlying structure remains consistent, avoiding the need for multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple fixed inverter driver circuits are provided for different types, then each driver type has dedicated optimization, but the overall device complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of driver circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing separate dedicated circuits for isolated and non-isolated inverter drivers, the patent implements a universal driver configuration unit with multiple connection points. This single configurable unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate driver circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the ability to support different driver types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If isolated inverter drivers are used for safety, then galvanic isolation is achieved between control unit and inverter switch, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalvanic isolation safetyVSAvoidisolation circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver configuration unit serves as an intermediary structure that enables optional galvanic isolation without requiring separate isolated driver circuits. By providing configurable connection points, it allows the system to implement isolation safety only when needed, using the same unified interface structure for both isolated and non-isolated configurations, thereby avoiding additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If non-isolated inverter drivers are used for cost efficiency, then device cost is reduced, but safety and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidgalvanic isolation protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver configuration unit enables dynamic selection between isolated and non-isolated inverter driver types based on safety requirements and cost considerations. This configurability allows the system to use cost-effective non-isolated drivers when isolation is not required, while maintaining the option to switch to isolated drivers for safety-critical applications, all through a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3255766B1Domestic appliance device and method with a domestic appliance device
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3255766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3255766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a household appliance device, in particular a cooking appliance device, with at least one inverter unit (10a; 10b) which includes at least one inverter switch (12a, 14a, 16a, 18a; 12b, 14b, 16b, 18b). To increase flexibility, it is proposed that the household appliance device has at least one driver configuration unit (20a, 22a, 24a, 26a; 20b, 24b) associated with the inverter switch (12a, 14a, 16a, 18a; 12b, 14b, 16b, 18b), which is designed to connect the inverter switch (12a, 14a, 16a, 18a; 12b, 14b, 16b, 18b) to at least one of at least two inverter drivers (28a, 30a, 32a, 34a; 30b, 34b; 28c, 29c, 30c, 31c, 32c, 33c, 34c, 35c) of a different type.