Integrated Output Switch Voltage and Current Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack effective means to detect external faults and faulty voltages in electrical devices, particularly in controllers and converters, which can lead to safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement includes controllable output switches with current and voltage detection means between terminals P and M, along with diodes for voltage detection, and control electronics that generate control signals and error detection logic, allowing for safe and efficient monitoring of voltage and current values, even when switches are open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external fault detection means are added to existing systems, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions (current detection, voltage detection, external fault detection) into a single integrated output stage. The current detection means and voltage detection means are merged with the output switches to form a unified safety monitoring system, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The output stage is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides control voltage to the consumer, detects current flow, monitors voltage levels, and identifies external faults. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection systems, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If current detection means are added between output switches and terminals, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current detection means is integrated directly into the output stage circuitry between the output switches and terminals P/M. This merging approach allows fault detection without requiring separate external detection devices, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2394343B1Arrangement for providing a control and/or supply voltage for a consumer, and method for operating such an arrangement
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2394343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2394343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2394343B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for providing a control and/or supply voltage for a consumer, and to a method for operating such an arrangement, wherein the consumer can be connected to connections P and M, and a control voltage and/or a supply voltage can thus be provided to the consumer by the arrangement, wherein the arrangement comprises a first controllable output switch 2 disposed between an upper potential of a supply voltage, in particular a 24 volt voltage, and the connection P, wherein a first means for detecting current between the first controllable output switch 2 and the connection P, wherein the arrangement comprises a second controllable output switch 3 disposed between a lower potential of the supply voltage, in particular ground, and the connection M, wherein a second means for detecting current is disposed between the second controllable output switch 3 and the connection P.