Power Coupling Circuit With Switch-Based Overvoltage Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic circuitry arrangements for electrically coupling power supply devices with utility devices fail to adequately address overvoltage issues, particularly in vehicles, which can lead to damage of electronic components and increased design and insulation costs, while also not effectively managing inrush currents.

Innovation Solution

An electronic circuitry arrangement featuring a first and second electrical switch, connected to an electric main capacity and controlled by a control apparatus, which senses voltage and adjusts switching states to prevent overvoltage by decoupling the utility device when voltage exceeds a predefined condition, using existing components for inrush current management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a direct electrical connection is established between the power supply device and the utility device, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but inrush current increases causing potential damage to electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinrush current
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuitry arrangement performs preliminary action by detecting voltage conditions before establishing a direct electrical connection. The control apparatus monitors the voltage at the first electric connection and only closes the first electrical switch when the voltage is below the predefined threshold, preventing inrush current from damaging the power supply device or main capacity before power transfer begins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic circuitry arrangement introduces intermediary components (electrical switches and control apparatus) between the power supply device and utility device. These intermediaries mediate the connection process by controlling when electrical contacts are made or broken, enabling safe power transfer while preventing harmful inrush currents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If overvoltage protection mechanisms are added to protect against voltage exceeding predefined conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovervoltage protectionVSAvoidcircuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus performs multiple functions using the same components: it detects voltage conditions, controls the switching of electrical switches, and provides overvoltage protection. The electrical switches serve dual purposes of enabling power transfer and protecting against overvoltage, eliminating the need for separate protection circuits and reducing overall device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic circuitry arrangement merges the voltage detection, switching control, and overvoltage protection functions into a single integrated system. The control apparatus combines voltage sensing and switch control capabilities, while the electrical switches combine power transfer and protection functions, simplifying the overall circuit design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical switches are used to control connections, then inrush current is reduced, but power loss increases due to resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinrush current controlVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus performs preliminary voltage detection before closing the electrical switches. By checking voltage conditions in advance and only closing switches when safe, the system minimizes the duration that switches are in transitional states, reducing power loss while still preventing inrush current

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This solution effectively reduces inrush currents and provides overvoltage protection without additional components, ensuring safe and efficient energy transfer while meeting electrical security standards, thereby reducing costs and design complexities.

Implementation Method 1

the control apparatus is configured to detect a voltage at the first electric connection and to compare the detected voltage with a predefined overvoltage condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage sensing: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the first electrical switch is connected with the first electric connection and the electric main capacity, in order to provide a switchable electrical connection between the first electric connection and the electric main capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4422009A1Electrically coupling of an electric power supply device with an electric utility device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP4422009A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4422009A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4422009A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of electrically coupling an electric power supply device (12) with an electric utility device (14) by an electronic circuitry arrangement (10), wherein an electric main capacity (20) is switchably connected with the electric power supply device (12) by a first electrical switch (22), wherein the electric main capacity (20) is also switchably connected with the electric utility device (14) by a second electrical switch (24), wherein the electrical switches (22, 24) are controlled to switch in a respective closed status and in a respective open status in an alternate manner, wherein a first electrical voltage is sensed at a first electric connection (16) of the electronic circuitry arrangement, the sensed first electrical voltage is compared with a predefined over voltage condition, and at least one of the first and second electrical switches is operated as a voltage protector dependent on the comparison.