Modular Pulse Generator with Dual-Chain Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse generation technologies are limited in generating pulses with variable amplitude and duration, requiring cumbersome hardware modifications and lacking ease of use and compactness, especially in applications requiring adjustable electric pulses for medical and industrial processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular pulse generation system utilizing a dual-chain configuration with energy storage modules and control elements, allowing for software-controlled adjustment of pulse characteristics, enabling variable pulse duration and amplitude, and incorporating fast active switches for compact and efficient pulse compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pulse generation technology is used, then hardware modifications are required to change pulse amplitude or duration, but this makes the system cumbersome and time-consuming to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse amplitude and duration adjustabilityVSAvoidhardware modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical hardware modifications with electronic/software-based control. A processor receives inputs related to pulse characteristics and provides instructions to control elements (switches) that selectively insert or bypass energy storage modules, enabling pulse parameter adjustment without physical hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically reconfigures the pulse generation circuitry by selectively inserting or bypassing energy storage modules based on desired pulse parameters. Control elements (switches) enable real-time adjustment of pulse amplitude and duration through software control rather than fixed hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple energy storage modules are used to generate variable pulses, then pulse flexibility is improved, but the system size and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse pattern variabilityVSAvoidsystem compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pulse generation functionality into multiple discrete energy storage modules that can be independently controlled. Each module can be selectively inserted or bypassed to create different pulse configurations, enabling variable pulse patterns while maintaining a compact modular structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage modules serve multiple functions: they can be inserted to increase pulse amplitude, bypassed to reduce amplitude, and selectively activated to control pulse duration. This multi-functionality allows a single set of modules to generate various pulse patterns without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If traditional pulse generators are designed for high voltage output, then sufficient power is achieved, but physical isolation requirements increase space consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse output powerVSAvoidphysical isolation space

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-chain high-voltage architecture to a dual-chain architecture with separate positive and negative voltage rails. This dimensional change in circuit topology allows for better spatial distribution of high-voltage components, reducing the physical isolation space required while maintaining sufficient output power capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides a compact, user-friendly, and highly customizable solution for generating pulses with variable amplitude and duration, suitable for diverse applications, while maintaining adequate physical isolation and reducing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Each storage module may include a rectifier and an energy storage element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

Each storage module may include a rectifier and an energy storage element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9238808B2Modular adjustable pulse generator

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 BLUE RIDGE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A pulse generation system for applying electric pulses across a load includes a first plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a positive chain and configured to apply a positive potential to the load and a second plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a negative chain and configured to apply a negative potential to the load. Each energy storage module of the positive chain and the negative chain includes a rectifier and a storage element, and at least one control element.