Light Emission Control Circuit Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emission control devices fail to effectively interrupt the current path when a light emission element is short-circuited to the ground, leading to potential overcurrent issues due to the placement of switching elements.
Innovation Solution
A light emission control device that includes a detection circuit to monitor the potential difference across a resistor and outputs control signals to set at least one switching element to a drive stop state, and a power stop signal to halt the power supply when the potential difference exceeds a predetermined value, ensuring the current path is interrupted and overcurrent is prevented.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the switching element is provided at the lower side of the light emission element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the current path cannot be interrupted when the light emission element is short-circuited to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection function into two stages: a first switching element that can be rapidly turned off to stop light emission, and a second switching element that interrupts the current path to stop power supply. This segmentation allows each switching element to have specialized functions, resolving the contradiction between simple circuit configuration and reliable overcurrent protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protection by having the first switching element respond immediately to overcurrent conditions by turning off to stop light emission, while the second switching element subsequently interrupts the current path. This preliminary action ensures protection begins immediately while maintaining circuit simplicity.
2Reliability
If the switching element is turned off to protect the light emission element, then the light emission element is protected from overcurrent, but the current path remains active when the switching element is at the lower side, allowing overcurrent to continue flowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection mechanism into two distinct switching elements with different functions: the first switching element stops light emission by turning off, while the second switching element interrupts the current path by turning off. This segmentation ensures that both light emission protection and current path interruption are achieved without requiring a single complex switching element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection circuit as an intermediary that monitors the light emission element's state and triggers the appropriate switching actions. This intermediary ensures that protection is activated only when necessary, preventing unnecessary current interruption while ensuring protection when overcurrent occurs.
3Reliability
If a detection circuit and dual switching element system is implemented, then overcurrent protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection function into two simple switching elements rather than one complex switching mechanism. Each switching element has a straightforward function: the first stops light emission, and the second interrupts the current path. This segmentation reduces overall complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit automatically detects overcurrent conditions and triggers the switching elements without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable protection, as the system autonomously responds to overcurrent conditions.
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
Effectively prevents overcurrent flow through the light emission element by detecting excessive current and activating the power stop signal, even when the switching element is positioned at the lower side of the light emission element, thereby protecting it from damage during a short-circuit event.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit detecting whether or not a first potential difference across the first resistor is larger than a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
A light emission control device includes a detection circuit and a light emission control circuit. The detection circuit detects whether or not a first potential difference across the first resistor is larger than a predetermined value. The light emission control circuit outputs a first control signal for controlling turning on/off of the first switching element and a second control signal for controlling turning on/off of the second switching element. The light emission control circuit sets at least one of the first control signal and the second control signal to a drive stop state to be inactive, when it is detected that the first potential difference is larger than the predetermined value. The light emission control circuit causes a power stop signal to be active, when it is detected that the first potential difference is larger than the predetermined value in the drive stop state.