Modular DC-DC Converter with Interchangeable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC power converters are inflexible in adjusting output voltages without altering output power or compromising efficiency, as they require multiple units to accommodate varying load requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular DC-DC power converter kit with interchangeable input and output connectors that adjust transformer turns ratios and connections, allowing for multiple output voltage configurations without changing the underlying transformer or power converter components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-DC power converter is designed to provide a particular output voltage with fixed transformer turns ratio and connections, then the converter structure is simple and reliable, but the converter cannot adjust output voltage to meet different load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transformer connections and turns ratios adjustable rather than fixed. Different connection configurations (series, parallel, series-parallel) can be dynamically selected through interchangeable connectors, allowing the power converter to adapt its output voltage to different load requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the power converter with multi-functional connectivity. The same physical transformer can serve multiple functions by changing connection configurations, enabling a single converter unit to replace multiple dedicated converters for different voltage requirements, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC-DC power converters are used to accommodate varying load requirements, then different output voltages can be provided, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by creating a universal power converter platform that can serve multiple load requirements. Instead of producing and maintaining separate converters for different voltages, a single converter design with interchangeable connectors can be manufactured in larger volumes and maintained more efficiently, while still accommodating varying load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated power converters into a single multi-configurable unit. By combining different connection options (series, parallel, series-parallel) within one converter, the system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing overall manufacturing and maintenance burden.
3Productivity
If the transformer turns ratio and connections are fixed to provide a specific output voltage, then the converter design is straightforward, but the output power and efficiency are compromised when load requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves output power efficiency by enabling dynamic reconfiguration of transformer connections to match load requirements. When load demands change, the connection configuration can be adjusted (through connector interchangeability) to optimize the turns ratio and maintain efficient power transfer, preventing the efficiency losses that would occur with fixed configurations.
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 flexible adjustment of output voltage to meet different load requirements while maintaining consistent output power and efficiency, reducing the need for multiple power converters and lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each transformer includes two or more primary windings for coupling to one input of the plurality of inputs and at least one secondary winding for coupling to one output of the plurality of outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC power converter kit includes a body, a plurality of input connectors, and a plurality of output connectors. The body includes a plurality of inputs configured to couple to one another to form a power converter input, a plurality of outputs configured to couple to one another to form a power converter output, and a plurality of transformers. The power converter output is configured to provide a first output voltage when using a first set of the input connectors and a first output connector, and the power converter output is configured to provide a second output voltage different than the first output voltage when using a second set of the input connectors and a second output connector. Additional example power converter kits, power converters, and methods for adjusting an output voltage are also disclosed.