Switching Power Supply Leakage Current Rectification

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic systems that require multiple voltage levels for operation face inefficiencies and increased cost due to the need for auxiliary coils and additional circuitry in prior art methods, which lead to weight and efficiency losses when providing secondary voltages referenced to a secondary ground.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a transformer with a primary and secondary ground to produce a regulated second voltage through an electrical potential difference between the grounds, converting leakage current and switching noise into DC output, eliminating the need for an auxiliary coil by deriving additional voltage levels from these noise sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary coils and additional circuitry are used to provide secondary voltages, then multiple voltage levels can be provided, but system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple voltage levelsVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switching power supply perform multiple functions by using the same transformer and switching circuitry to generate both the primary output voltage and secondary voltages. The leakage current that was previously wasted is now utilized to power secondary voltage generation, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary coils and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful leakage current from the transformer primary winding into a useful resource. By rectifying and regulating this leakage current, the system generates secondary voltages without requiring additional primary-side windings, thus reducing weight while providing multiple voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary coils and additional circuitry are used to provide secondary voltages, then multiple voltage levels can be provided, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple voltage levelsVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switching power supply perform multiple functions by using the same transformer and switching circuitry to generate both the primary output voltage and secondary voltages. The leakage current that was previously wasted is now utilized to power secondary voltage generation, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary coils and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful leakage current from the transformer primary winding into a useful resource. By rectifying and regulating this leakage current, the system generates secondary voltages without requiring additional primary-side windings, thus reducing weight while providing multiple voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary coils and additional circuitry are used to provide secondary voltages, then multiple voltage levels can be provided, but efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple voltage levelsVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful leakage current from the transformer primary winding into a useful resource. By rectifying and regulating this leakage current, the system generates secondary voltages without requiring additional primary-side windings, thus reducing weight while providing multiple voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own leakage current to generate secondary voltages, making the secondary power supply self-sufficient without drawing additional power from the primary output or requiring separate power sources. This self-service approach eliminates energy losses associated with additional transformation and regulation stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach reduces system weight and cost by using leakage current and switching noise to generate secondary voltages without efficiency losses, providing multiple voltage levels from a single switching power supply while minimizing additional circuitry requirements.

Implementation Method 1

producing a first voltage via a transformer, the transformer including a primary ground electrically and a secondary ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

producing a regulated second voltage via a potential difference between the primary ground and the secondary ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS8692526B2Converting leakage current to DC output

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A power source capable of supplying power to operate electronics of a system is disclosed. In one example, the power source takes advantage of an electrical potential difference between primary and secondary grounds. The power source can reduce system cost and power consumption.