Control device, pump unit, and refrigerant circulation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The length of the power-on delay time in conventional RAID systems for disk drives is not well-defined, necessitating a solution to minimize this time while preventing inrush currents during connector attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a protection circuit using a capacitor to gradually transition a load switch from off to on over a predetermined time period, based on the charging time of the capacitor, to manage power supply to a load device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If power is supplied immediately upon connector connection, then power supply speed is improved, but inrush current damage occurs to the load switch
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit performs preliminary action by detecting connector connection status before power is supplied to the load device. When connection is detected, the protection circuit activates first to prepare for controlled power delivery, preventing inrush current from damaging the load switch while enabling subsequent rapid power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit serves as an intermediary between the power supply and the load device. It mediates the power transfer by controlling the timing and rate of power delivery, allowing fast power supply while protecting the load switch from inrush current through its protective circuitry.
2Reliability
If power-on delay time is extended, then inrush current is prevented, but power supply efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control where the protection circuit adapts its behavior based on real-time detection of connector connection status. Rather than using a fixed delay time, the protection circuit actively monitors and controls power delivery timing, enabling fast power supply when safe while preventing inrush current when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuit implements feedback by continuously detecting the connector connection status and adjusting power supply timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for conservative fixed delay times, allowing optimized power delivery that prevents inrush current while minimizing power-on delay.
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
Enables early and stable power supply to the load device while preventing inrush currents, ensuring efficient and safe operation during connector connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The protection circuit includes at least a capacitor and is configured to switch the load switch from disconnection to connection over a predetermined first time period that is a time period during which the load switch is gradually transitioned from off to on by the drive signal based on the charging time of the capacitor.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a first connector to which an external device including a power supply is attachable or detachable, a power supply path to connect a load device and the first connector and through which a DC voltage is supplied when the first connector is connected to the external device, a load switch to switch between connection and disconnection, a protection circuit to prevent inrush current, and a control circuit to detect that the first connector is connected to the external device, and then output a drive signal to switch the load switch from disconnection to connection. The protection circuit includes a capacitor and is configured to switch the load switch from disconnection to connection over a predetermined first time period during which the load switch is gradually transitioned from off to on by the drive signal based on the charging time of the capacitor.