Power Distribution System Channel Independence via Time-Domain Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 2oo2 and 2oo3 power distribution systems face challenges in achieving channel independence due to common power supply issues, where transients and surges can affect multiple channels simultaneously, compromising safety and requiring elaborate filtering or failsafe components.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution system using a time-domain multiplexing approach with a splitting device to alternate partial input powers to each controller load, ensuring that disturbances from the common power source affect only one channel at a time, thereby achieving independent power channels without the need for inherent failsafe components or complex testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a common power supply source is used to supply power to multiple redundant power channels, then cost and space efficiency are improved, but channel independence is compromised because transients and surges can affect multiple channels simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution structureVSAvoidchannel independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the common power supply output into separate power channels using individual rectifier bridges for each channel. This segmentation ensures that transients or failures in one channel's rectifier bridge do not propagate to other channels, maintaining channel independence while still using a common power source. Each power channel receives power through its own rectifier bridge, creating electrical isolation between channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces individual rectifier bridges as intermediary components between the common power supply source and each power channel. These rectifier bridges act as mediators that convert AC power to DC power independently for each channel, preventing direct coupling of transients between channels through the power distribution lines while maintaining efficient power utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If filters are added to remove transients and protect channels, then channel independence is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel independenceVSAvoidpower distribution structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs rectifier bridges with inherent failsafe properties that automatically protect against transients and failures without requiring external filtering components. The rectifier bridges themselves provide the necessary protection through their circuit design, eliminating the need for additional filters and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining channel independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If elaborate filtering or failsafe components are used to protect against common power supply disturbances, then channel independence is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel independenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses standard rectifier bridge components that are cost-effective and readily available, replacing the need for expensive specialized failsafe components or elaborate filtering systems. The rectifier bridges provide necessary protection through their inherent design while maintaining affordability and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4101680A1Power distribution system, control system, railway transportation system and method for operating a power distribution system
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 HITACHI RAIL GTS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4101680A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4101680A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101680A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Power distribution system (1) for use in a control system having a 2ooN architecture with N=2 or 3 at least n controller loads (2a, 2b), the power distribution system (1) comprising: • a common power supply source (3) providing electrical input power to the control system; • at least n independent power channels (4a, 4b), wherein each power channel (4a, 4b) is connected to the common power supply source (3) through a power feed line (5a, 5b) and a return line (6a, 6b) and wherein each power channel (4a, 4b) is adapted to feed power to one of the controller loads (2a, 2b); • a splitting device (7) for multiplexing the common input power to the at least two independent power channels (4a, 4b). The inventive power distribution system enables safety channel separation and independent channels while using a common power source without the need of components having inherent failsafe properties or requiring elaborate tests.