Power Converter Active Bleeding Voltage Window Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for generating a low voltage bias source from offline AC are either lossy, bulky, and costly, making them unsuitable for many applications, as they often rely on linear power supplies, switch mode power supplies, or step-down transformers.

Innovation Solution

A power converter design that includes an input port for AC signals, rectifiers to generate a rectified DC signal, a storage capacitor for energy storage, and a smart offline voltage source block with a power switch device and controller to efficiently manage the rectified DC signal within a specific voltage window, allowing for efficient energy storage and supply to a load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a linear power supply with rectifier resistor-zener diode circuit is used, then the circuit is simple, but energy loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear power supply's mechanical/thermal regulation mechanism with an electronic switch-mode control system. The power switch device (MOSFET or IGBT) electronically switches the rectified DC signal on and off based on controller commands, eliminating the need for resistive dissipation and zener diodes, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining circuit simplicity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If a switch mode power supply with PWM control is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter performs self-service through automatic voltage window detection and self-regulation. The controller automatically compares the rectified DC voltage against predefined thresholds, enabling the power switch device to turn on or off without external intervention. This self-contained control mechanism achieves energy efficiency while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for complex PWM modulation circuits or external feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a step-down transformer power supply is used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidpower supply volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the bulky transformer component from the power supply system. Instead of using electromagnetic transformation, the invention directly processes the rectified DC signal through electronic switching and voltage window control. This extraction of the transformer while retaining voltage conversion capability through electronic means dramatically reduces power supply volume and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Speed

If the power switch device switches rapidly, then response speed is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching response speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic switching action by operating the power switch device in regular on-off cycles based on voltage window detection. This periodic operation at controlled frequencies achieves rapid response while allowing EMI filtering and shielding to be effectively designed around predictable switching patterns, reducing electromagnetic interference compared to irregular or ultra-high-frequency switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 power converter provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method for generating a low voltage DC source directly from the AC line, reducing energy loss and size while maintaining a wide operational voltage range without excessive power dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier coupled to the input port to receive the input AC signal, and based on the input AC signal, the rectifier provides a rectified DC signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a storage capacitor coupled between the storage port and the reference ground to store energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9246404B2Power converter with active bleeding and ramp up-down delay and the method thereof

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 MONOLITHIC POWER SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a power converter providing a low output voltage from an offline AC. The power converter defines a voltage window for the input AC signal. Inside the voltage window, the rectified DC waveform is passed through to the output and the storage capacitor; outside the voltage window, the power converter is idle (or the output is blocked from input) and let the output storage capacitor alone supply the load.