Multi-input Voltage Converter with Segmented Transformers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multi-input voltage converters often have optimal efficiency only at specific input and output voltage sets, with reduced efficiency for other inputs, and large circuit architectures when separate converters are used for each input voltage.

Innovation Solution

A multi-input voltage converter design combining a forward-type converter and a step-down converter with a common output circuit, utilizing multiple voltage receiving modules, transformers, and switches to achieve efficient conversion across various input voltages, simplifying the circuit structure and reducing size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single transformer with multiple input voltage windings is used, then the circuit structure is simplified, but the conversion efficiency is optimal only at specific input voltage sets and lower for other inputs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single transformer into multiple independent transformers, each optimized for specific input voltage ranges. This segmentation allows each transformer to operate at optimal efficiency points for its designated voltage range, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and maintained efficiency across different voltages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different conversion circuits based on the detected input voltage. The control unit dynamically selects which circuit to activate, ensuring optimal efficiency for the current input voltage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through shared components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If separate voltage converters are used for each input voltage, then optimal efficiency is achieved for each input voltage, but the circuit architecture becomes very large and difficult to reduce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit architecture size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple conversion circuits by sharing common components such as the output circuit, control unit, and detection unit. This combining approach maintains optimal efficiency for each input voltage while significantly reducing the overall circuit architecture size compared to completely separate converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs universal components that can serve multiple functions across different conversion circuits. For example, the output circuit and control unit are designed to handle multiple input voltages, reducing the need for dedicated components for each voltage level and thereby reducing overall circuit size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If separate voltage converters are used for each input voltage, then optimal efficiency is achieved for each input voltage, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple conversion circuits by sharing common components such as the output circuit, control unit, and detection unit. This combining approach maintains optimal efficiency for each input voltage while significantly reducing the overall circuit architecture size compared to completely separate converters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs universal components that can serve multiple functions across different conversion circuits. For example, the output circuit and control unit are designed to handle multiple input voltages, reducing the need for dedicated components for each voltage level and thereby reducing overall circuit size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient conversion of multiple input voltages with a simplified circuit architecture, reducing size and cost while maintaining optimal efficiency across different input voltage points.

Implementation Method 1

a first transformer, a primary side of the first transformer being electrically connected to the first voltage receiving module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3629461B1Multi-input voltage converter
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 PEGATRON
  • EP3629461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629461B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3629461B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-input voltage converter (1) includes an output circuit (13), a first conversion circuit (11), and a second conversion circuit (12). The first conversion circuit (11) includes a first voltage receiving module (111), a first transformer (112), a first switch (113). The second conversion circuit (12) includes a second voltage receiving module (121), a second switch (122). When the second voltage receiving module (121) receives the second input voltage (Vin2), the second switch (122) is turned on to operate, and the output circuit (13) outputs the output voltage (Vout).