Leakage-Controlled Load Switch Soft-Start Circuit for Fluidic Valves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cooling systems for information handling systems face challenges with increased power consumption, noise, and temperature issues due to the need for more powerful fans and larger sizes, as well as stress on fluidic conduits from rapid valve opening in liquid cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A circuit and system with a load switch and leakage reduction circuit that controls the valve's soft start time, maintaining a source-to-gate voltage below a threshold to prevent premature activation and reduce stress on fluidic conduits, using a combination of transistors and resistors to manage the enable voltage and ensure a gradual valve opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the valve opens quickly to reduce soft start time, then the cooling system responds faster, but excessive stress is applied to the fluidic conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve opening speedVSAvoidstress on fluidic conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit performs preliminary action by gradually charging the gate capacitor before fully activating the valve, preparing the system for controlled opening that prevents conduit stress while achieving fast response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically adjusts the valve opening process by using a capacitor to create a time-dependent gate voltage profile, transitioning from slow initial opening to faster full opening, optimizing both stress reduction and response time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If leakage current activates the load switch prematurely, then the valve opens before intended, but the soft start function fails and stress occurs on the conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve activation controlVSAvoidstress on fluidic conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary between the enable signal and the gate, mediating the activation process by controlling charge accumulation and preventing premature valve opening due to leakage currents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit applies preliminary anti-action by using the capacitor to counteract the effects of leakage current, preventing premature gate voltage buildup that would cause unintended valve activation and subsequent conduit stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Temperature

If traditional fan-based cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but power consumption and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-based cooling system with an electronically controlled liquid cooling system using a valve and circuit, eliminating the need for high-power fans while maintaining effective cooling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the cooling approach from air-based fan cooling to liquid-based valve-controlled cooling, fundamentally altering the cooling parameter mechanism to reduce power consumption and noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces thermal management issues by minimizing stress on fluidic conduits and improving thermal performance, reducing power consumption and noise, while maintaining efficient cooling in information handling systems.

Implementation Method 1

the leakage reduction circuit is configured to electrically couple the gate terminal of the load switch to the source terminal of the load switch such that a source-to-gate voltage is maintained below a threshold voltage for activating the load switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage threshold control:

Data Source

PatentUS9822898B2Systems and methods for long soft start time load switch control

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A circuit may include a source input for receiving an input voltage, a load output for generating an output voltage, a load switch coupled at its source to the source input and coupled at its drain to the load output which is configured to pass the input voltage to the load output when the load switch is activated, an enable input for receiving an enable voltage which is indicative of whether the load switch is to be activated or deactivated, and a leakage reduction circuit coupled between the enable input and a gate of the load switch, wherein the leakage reduction circuit is configured to electrically couple the gate of the load switch to the source of the load switch such that a source-to-gate voltage is maintained below a threshold voltage for activating the load switch when the enable voltage indicates that the load switch is to be deactivated.