Power Converter Arc Suppression via Ground Pin Shield Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power conversion devices often experience electric arc discharges due to exposed metal, violating safety regulations and potentially damaging electronic devices and users.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device with a power supply connector and voltage conversion circuit, including a switch circuit and detection circuit, ensures that power is only provided when the ground pins are fully shielded, preventing electric arcs by configuring the switch circuit to be conducted only after detection of full shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the power supply connector is electrically coupled to the power input connector with ground pins surrounding power pins, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but exposed metal on ground pins causes electric arc discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit detects whether the ground pins are fully shielded before the power supply pin establishes electrical connection. This preliminary detection ensures that power is only supplied when shielding is complete, preventing electric arc discharge while maintaining the simple connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit and switch circuit act as intermediaries between the connector structure and the power supply function. They monitor the shielding status and control power delivery, eliminating electric arc discharge without changing the basic ground pin surrounding power pin structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ground pins are fully shielded before power connection, then electric arc discharge is prevented, but additional detection and control circuits increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit automatically detects the shielding status of ground pins and the switch circuit automatically controls power delivery based on detection results. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms, achieving arc suppression with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit provides feedback about the shielding status to the switch circuit, which adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is only supplied when ground pins are fully shielded, preventing electric arc discharge through a relatively simple closed-loop control system.
3Productivity
If power is supplied immediately upon connector insertion, then power delivery is fast and efficient, but electric arc discharge may occur on exposed ground pin metal
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit performs a preliminary check of the shielding status before enabling power delivery. This preliminary action ensures that power is supplied as soon as possible after safe conditions are confirmed, maintaining fast power delivery while preventing electric arc discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system quickly transitions from detection to power delivery once shielding is confirmed. By rushing through the power establishment process immediately after safety verification, the system minimizes the time delay while ensuring no electric arc discharge occurs.
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
Effectively prevents electric arcs and enhances safety by ensuring that power is only supplied when the ground pins are fully shielded, thus eliminating arc discharges.
Implementation Method 1
When the detection circuit detects that the first detection pin is electrically coupled to the second detection pin
Implementation Method 2
the detection circuit configures the switch circuit to be conducted, which makes the voltage conversion circuit to provide power to the electronic device through the switch circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device is provided for supplying power to an electronic device. The power conversion device includes a power supply connector, a voltage conversion circuit, a switch circuit and a detection circuit. The power supply connector is configured to couple with the electronic device. The voltage conversion circuit is configured to provide a suitable voltage level for the electronic device. The switch circuit is coupled between the voltage conversion circuit and the power supply connector. When the power supply connector is coupled with the electronic device and a ground pin of the power supply connector is fully shielded, the detection circuit configures the switch circuit to be conducted for supplying power to the electronic device.