Multi-stage Discharge Circuit for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge circuits for electronic devices are inefficient in quickly discharging stored charges in capacitors, leading to potential system malfunctions, crashes, and electric shocks when the device is turned off, as they either consume power during normal operation or have slow discharge speeds.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage discharge circuit with energy storage elements, switches, and multiple discharge paths is introduced, where switches control different discharge paths based on voltage thresholds, allowing for sequential activation of discharge paths to efficiently manage the discharge process, reducing total resistance and enhancing discharge speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a resident resistive type discharge circuit is used, then the capacitor can be discharged after system power is turned off, but the discharge speed is not fast enough and the resistor consumes power during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge circuit is divided into multiple stages with different discharge paths. The first discharge path includes a first discharge switch and first discharge resistor, while the second discharge path includes a second discharge switch and second discharge resistor. This segmentation allows different discharge resistors to be used at different stages, optimizing both power consumption during normal operation and discharge speed after power off.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge resistance is dynamically changed during the discharge process. When the capacitor voltage is high, the first discharge path with larger resistance is activated to limit current. When the capacitor voltage drops to a threshold level, the second discharge path with smaller resistance is activated to increase discharge speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and discharge speed.
2Speed
If a freewheeling diode discharge circuit is used, then the capacitor can be discharged after system power is turned off, but the discharge speed is not fast enough
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented into multiple paths with different characteristics. The first discharge path provides controlled discharge at higher voltages, while the second discharge path provides faster discharge at lower voltages. This segmentation enables the system to achieve fast discharge speeds while maintaining safety through controlled transition between paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge resistance parameter is changed based on the capacitor voltage level. At high voltage stages, a larger resistance is used to limit current. At low voltage stages, a smaller resistance is used to increase discharge speed. This parameter change approach achieves both fast discharge and system safety.
3Speed
If a single discharge path is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the discharge speed is insufficient and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge circuit is segmented into multiple paths with different discharge resistors and switches. This segmentation enables fast discharge by activating appropriate paths based on voltage levels, while the modular structure keeps the overall circuit design manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stage discharge circuit serves multiple functions: it provides controlled discharge at high voltages, fast discharge at low voltages, and automatic transition between stages. This multi-functionality achieves fast discharge performance while the standardized structure maintains reasonable circuit complexity.
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 multi-stage discharge circuit effectively and quickly discharges capacitors, reducing the risk of system malfunctions and electric shocks by optimizing discharge speed and power consumption through staged resistance management.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic device normally stabilizes the voltage with a large capacitor coupled to a system power
Implementation Method 2
a first switch of the switches conducts a first discharge path of the discharge paths, and the energy storage element is discharged through the first discharge path
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge circuit for an electronic device includes an energy storage element, a plurality of switches and a plurality of discharge paths coupled to the energy storage element and the switches. If a system power of the electronic device is turned off, a first switch of the switches conducts a first discharge path of the discharge paths, and the energy storage element is discharged through the first discharge path. In response that a voltage of the energy storage element drops to a first threshold, a second switch of the switches conducts a second discharge path of the discharge paths, and the energy storage element is discharged through the first discharge path and the second discharge path.