Inverter Driver Pulse Blocking for Faster STO Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing STO functions in electric drives experience delayed reaction times due to high and fluctuating power consumption by drivers, requiring large energy storage devices that negatively impact response times and safety.
Innovation Solution
A switching arrangement that applies a blocking signal to interrupt the pulse signal path to the driver module, rather than interrupting the power supply, allowing for smaller energy storage devices and faster activation of the safety function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply to the driver is interrupted to activate the STO function, then the safety function is achieved, but the high and fluctuating power consumption requires large energy storage devices that increase response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent paths: a main power supply path for normal operation and a separate backup power supply path for the STO function. This allows the backup path to be optimized independently with smaller energy storage devices, reducing response time while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backup power supply as an intermediary system that activates specifically for the STO function. This mediator provides the necessary energy without requiring the main power supply to be interrupted, enabling faster activation of safety functions through dedicated energy storage devices.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If large energy storage devices are used to bridge test gaps, then the driver can maintain operation during interruptions, but the response time is delayed and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage requirement into two separate systems: large energy storage devices for bridging test gaps during normal operation, and small energy storage devices for rapid STO activation. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing energy storage capacity exceeding what is needed for STO activation alone. The backup power supply includes sufficient energy storage to handle both test gap bridging and rapid STO activation, ensuring safety requirements are met without requiring excessively large devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (100) for the safe control of at least one driver module (33) for controlling a semiconductor switch of an inverter (20), wherein the driver module (33) controls the semiconductor switch depending on a pulse signal (PWM), wherein a switching arrangement (30) connected to the driver module (33) is provided and this has a switching terminal (K) for applying a blocking signal (S) and a first terminal (I) for applying the pulse signal (PWM) in order to switch or block the pulse signal (PWM) applied to the driver module (33) depending on the blocking signal (S).