Latch Protection Switch Circuit for Slow Short-Circuit Power Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power rail systems lack effective protection against slow short circuits caused by moisture, leading to continuous heating and potential fires, especially in commercial environments where the short-circuit position is not fixed and traditional protection circuits may not trigger in time.

Innovation Solution

A latch protection switch comprising three switch circuits that control voltage output based on input voltage levels, ensuring the system remains off until the fault is resolved, using transistors, thyristors, and surge protectors to prevent overheating and fires, and a protection circuit with a voltage stabilizing module and current sampling module to monitor and control power rail voltage and current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional short-circuit protection is used for power supplies, then the protection circuit can handle fixed position short circuits, but it cannot detect slow short circuits caused by moisture at non-fixed positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static protection threshold into a dynamic one by using a transistor-based voltage divider circuit that continuously monitors voltage changes. The protection circuit adapts its detection threshold based on real-time voltage conditions, enabling it to detect slow short circuits that traditional fixed-threshold circuits miss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage monitoring circuit continuously samples the power rail voltage and feeds it back to the transistor control terminal. This closed-loop feedback enables the circuit to detect gradual voltage changes caused by slow short circuits and trigger protection accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If no protection circuit is installed, then the power rail is simple and easy to install, but moisture or collision can cause short circuits leading to continuous heating and fires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protection action by installing a voltage monitoring circuit that proactively detects potential short circuit conditions before they cause damage. The circuit continuously monitors voltage levels and triggers protection in advance, preventing the harmful effects of short circuits rather than reacting after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voltage monitoring circuit as an intermediary between the power supply and the load. This intermediary circuit acts as a sentinel that detects abnormal conditions and interrupts the power flow before harmful short circuits can develop, mediating between the power source and potential faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If a large power supply with several rails is used, then the power supply capacity is sufficient, but a single rail short circuit may not reach the protection point of the large power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidprotection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power monitoring function by providing individual voltage monitoring circuits for each power rail. Instead of relying on a single centralized protection circuit for the entire power supply, each rail has its own monitoring transistor that independently detects short circuits, ensuring that even single-rail faults are caught.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing protection circuits with specific characteristics tailored to each rail's requirements. Each monitoring circuit is optimized for its specific rail's voltage level and load characteristics, enabling sensitive detection of local short circuit conditions that might be masked in a centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively prevents short circuits from causing excessive heat or fires by ensuring the system remains off until the fault is cleared, enhancing safety and reliability in power rail systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first switch circuit (1), wherein the first switch circuit (1) is used to control its own on-off state according to the value of its input voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor switching:

Implementation Method 2

a second switch circuit (2) connected to the first switch circuit (1) and used to control its own on-off state according to the on-off of the first switch circuit (1). After the second switch circuit (2) is turned on, it will continue to conduct until preset conditions are met

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThyristor latching:

Implementation Method 3

using transistors, thyristors, and surge protectors to prevent overheating and fires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurge protection:

Data Source

PatentEP4447245A1A latch protection switch and a power rail protection circuit having the same
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4447245A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4447245A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4447245A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a latch protection switch and a protection circuit for a power rail with the same. The latch protection switch includes: a first switch circuit for controlling its on-off state according to the value of its input voltage; a second switch circuit connected to the first switch circuit and used to control its own on-off state according to the on-off state of the first switch circuit, and after the second switch circuit is turned on, it will continue to conduct until a preset condition is met and then disconnect; a third switch circuit connected to the second switch circuit and used to control its own on-off state according to the on-off stateof the second switch circuit to control whether its output pin outputs voltage. The latch protection switch provided by the invention, through the cascade connection of three switch circuits, controls whether a voltage is output, thereby avoiding the situation of excessive heating due to short circuit due to high current, or even fire, and improves the safety of the circuit.