Vehicle Lighting Control Circuit Without a Boost Chopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converters for vehicle lighting, which include boost choppers, are large in size and costly due to components like coils and diodes.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control circuit with a buck-type DC/DC converter that selectively outputs direct current voltages with the same or reverse polarity to drive light emitting elements, using switches and a microcomputer to manage voltage thresholds and switch connections, eliminating the need for a boost chopper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional boost chopper is used to convert DC voltage, then the output voltage can be maintained when input voltage fluctuates, but the circuit size increases and manufacturing cost increases due to additional components like coils and diodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the boost chopper circuit (including coil, capacitor, and diode components) from the DC-DC converter. By taking out these additional components, the circuit size is reduced while the essential voltage conversion function is maintained through simplified switching control between first and second switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DC-DC converter capable of universal operation by enabling it to output both positive voltage (first polarity) and negative voltage (second polarity) relative to the input voltage. This multi-functionality is achieved through the switching mechanism that can connect the output terminal to either the input terminal or ground, eliminating the need for dedicated boost chopper circuits for different voltage conditions.
2Reliability
If a conventional boost chopper is used to convert DC voltage, then the output voltage can be maintained when input voltage fluctuates, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components like coils and diodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the boost chopper circuit (including coil, capacitor, and diode components) from the DC-DC converter. By taking out these additional components, the circuit size is reduced while the essential voltage conversion function is maintained through simplified switching control between first and second switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive passive components (coils, capacitors, diodes) with simpler, cheaper switching elements. The switching mechanism using transistors or other active devices provides the necessary voltage conversion function at lower manufacturing cost, effectively substituting costly components with more economical alternatives.
3Device complexity
If switches are used to control voltage output polarity, then the circuit size can be reduced by eliminating boost chopper components, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the switching elements to adapt the output voltage polarity based on operational requirements. The control unit dynamically switches between connecting the output terminal to the input terminal (for positive voltage output) or to ground (for negative voltage output), providing flexible voltage control without requiring complex additional circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control through the control unit that monitors the operational state and adjusts the switching elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures stable voltage output by automatically adjusting the switch states based on the required output polarity and magnitude, simplifying the control process despite the dynamic switching requirements.
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 suppresses the increase in size and cost associated with conventional boost choppers by optimizing voltage output and reducing the need for additional components, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a converter to selectively perform: converting a direct current input voltage into a first direct current output voltage having a same polarity as a polarity of the direct current input voltage, and outputting the first direct current output voltage to a first terminal; and converting the direct current input voltage into a second direct current output voltage having a reverse polarity to the polarity of the direct current input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control circuit includes: a light emitting element connected between a first terminal and a second terminal; a converter that converts a direct current input voltage into a first direct current output voltage or a second direct current output voltage, in which when a monitor determines that the direct current input voltage is higher than a predetermined threshold, a first switch disconnects the first terminal from a ground potential, a second switch connects the second terminal with the ground potential, and the converter outputs the first direct current output voltage to the first terminal, and when the monitor does not determine that the direct current input voltage is higher than the predetermined threshold, the first switch connects the first terminal with the ground potential, the second switch disconnects the second terminal from the ground potential, and the converter outputs the second direct current output voltage to the second terminal.