Parallel Power Supply Blocks for Arc Welders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for arc-utilizing apparatuses, such as arc welders and cutters, face issues with electromagnetic noise causing erroneous operations, particularly when multiple units are connected in parallel to meet varying output capacities, requiring costly communication means to prevent such errors.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus comprising multiple power supply blocks with AC-to-DC and high-frequency conversion capabilities, where the DC-to-high-frequency conversion is controlled by a reference signal to match a predetermined value, eliminating the need for communication means by using equal-value maintaining circuits and switching mechanisms to adjust configurations for different AC voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply blocks are connected in parallel to meet various output capacities, then the power supply flexibility and output capacity are improved, but electromagnetic noise causes erroneous operation of communication means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes communication means from the system entirely. Instead of using communication lines between power supply blocks that are susceptible to electromagnetic noise, each block operates independently with local reference signal generating means, eliminating the harmful interaction between arcing-generated electromagnetic noise and communication signals.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power supply block generates its own reference signals locally through reference signal generating means, making the system self-sufficient. This eliminates dependence on external communication lines that would be vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, allowing each block to maintain synchronization independently.
2Reliability
If communication means are added to prevent erroneous operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates communication means entirely from the system. By removing these complex components that connect power supply blocks, the invention achieves reliability through simplicity - each block operates independently with local reference signals, avoiding the complexity and cost of communication infrastructure while maintaining stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power supply block has its own local reference signal generating means, creating identical functional copies in each block. This duplication of reference signal generation capability eliminates the need for communication between blocks, achieving reliability through independent operation rather than through complex inter-block communication systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard capacity power supply blocks are used in parallel, then the ease of manufacture and replacement are improved, but the need for communication means increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into independent modular blocks, each with complete reference signal generating means. This segmentation allows standardization of individual blocks for easy manufacture and replacement, while the independence of each module eliminates the need for complex communication infrastructure between them.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power supply block is designed as a universal module with integrated reference signal generating means that can operate independently. This universal design enables easy interchangeability and standardization while eliminating the need for block-specific communication configurations, reducing overall system 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
This solution allows for flexible and cost-effective power supply configurations that meet various output capacities without the need for communication means, ensuring reliable operation and easy replacement of failed units, while minimizing electromagnetic noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-to-DC converting means (4a, 4b) for converting commercial AC power to DC power
Implementation Method 2
DC-to-high-frequency converting means (10a, 10b) for converting the resulting DC power to high-frequency power
Implementation Method 3
a transformer (12a, 12b) for transforming the resulting high-frequency power
Implementation Method 4
high-frequency-to-DC converting means (18a, 18b) for converting the transformed high-frequency power to DC power
Implementation Method 5
Electromagnetic noise is generated due to arcing in an arc-utilizing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus for use with arc-utilizing apparatuses includes a plurality of power supply blocks of the same capacity. Each power supply block includes an input-side rectifying circuit, an inverter, a transformer, and an output-side rectifying circuit. The inverter is controlled by a control circuit in such a manner that high-frequency current flowing the inverter or current flowing through the output-side rectifying circuit can correspond to a reference signal provided by a reference signal generator. The outputs of the output-side rectifying circuits of the power supply blocks are connected in parallel with each other. The values of the reference signals generated by the reference signal generators are made always equal by the action of equipotential lines.