Piezoelectric Transformer Power Supply with Voltage Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage power supply apparatuses using piezoelectric transformers waste power and shorten the service life of process members by continuously applying voltage even when inactive, due to driving frequencies higher than resonance frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus comprising a piezoelectric transformer, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and an output voltage stop unit that controls the driving frequency based on a control signal to stop the transformer when inactive, ensuring the output voltage becomes zero, reducing power consumption and extending the life of process members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the piezoelectric transformer is driven at a frequency higher than the resonance frequency to control output voltage, then the output voltage can be controlled, but the piezoelectric transformer continues to operate and consume power even when not needed, shortening service life of process members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing a stop signal that periodically halts the driving signal to the piezoelectric transformer. When the output voltage reaches the target value, the driving signal is stopped, causing the transformer to cease operation. This periodic on-off control maintains voltage precision while preventing continuous operation that would degrade process members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the output voltage is continuously monitored and compared with the target voltage. Based on this feedback, the driving signal is adjusted or stopped. When the measured output voltage equals the target voltage, the feedback mechanism triggers a stop signal to the piezoelectric transformer, eliminating the need for continuous high-frequency driving and thereby extending process member service life.
2Reliability
If the piezoelectric transformer is driven continuously to maintain output voltage, then voltage supply is ensured, but power is wasted by continuous operation at frequencies higher than resonance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the piezoelectric transformer to operate only when needed. The driving signal is periodically interrupted based on output voltage monitoring, allowing the transformer to stop operation when the target voltage is achieved. This eliminates continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable voltage supply during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service control where the output voltage itself triggers the stop condition. When the output voltage reaches the target value, the system automatically generates a stop signal without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliable voltage supply during operation while eliminating wasteful continuous power consumption.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the driving frequency is set much higher than resonance frequency to stop voltage output, then voltage can be stopped, but the piezoelectric transformer is still driven and consumes power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful continuous driving action by separating the voltage control function from the continuous operation requirement. Instead of using high-frequency driving to stop voltage output, the system removes the driving signal entirely when the target voltage is reached. This extraction of unnecessary driving action eliminates both the harmful voltage output and the associated power consumption simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the continuous driving signal once the target output voltage is achieved. By discarding the unnecessary driving action, the patent simultaneously stops harmful voltage output and recovers energy by eliminating continuous power consumption. The piezoelectric transformer is allowed to coast down naturally rather than being actively driven at high frequencies.
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 effectively reduces power wastage and prolongs the service life of process members by stopping the piezoelectric transformer when not in use, maintaining a constant output voltage determined by the control signal and minimizing burden on process members.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transformer (piezoelectric ceramic transformer) for a high-voltage power supply
Implementation Method 2
driving frequency higher than the resonance frequency f0
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a piezoelectric transformer which outputs a voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillator which controls the frequency of an output signal in accordance with an input control signal, a power supply voltage supply element which is driven by a signal output from the voltage-controlled oscillator and applies a power supply voltage to the piezoelectric transformer, and an output voltage stop circuit (118) which outputs a signal for stopping driving the piezoelectric transformer on the basis of a control signal (Vcont).