Power Interruption Circuit Digital Power Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems lack the ability to accurately calculate and control the power delivered to loads, often relying on analog methods to determine overcurrent situations, which can lead to inefficient power management and potential damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A power interruption circuit equipped with a microprocessor that calculates power based on digitized current and voltage values from a shunt resistor and output voltage, comparing it to a threshold level to control switches and manage power delivery effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If analog current or voltage monitoring is used to determine power delivery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy of power delivery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog monitoring systems with a digital microprocessor-based system. The microprocessor digitally calculates power by multiplying digitized current values (from the shunt resistor) by digitized voltage values, substituting mechanical/analog monitoring with digital computation to achieve higher precision while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shunt resistor as an intermediary element to accurately measure current. This intermediary component enables precise current measurement that can be digitally processed, bridging the gap between simple analog monitoring and complex digital power calculation systems
2Ease of operation
If power interruption is delayed or inaccurate, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of load protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring both current (via shunt resistor) and voltage, calculating power in real-time, and comparing it against a predetermined threshold. This feedback loop ensures reliable load protection by automatically triggering power interruption when the threshold is exceeded, while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protection by continuously monitoring power levels before damage can occur to connected loads. The microprocessor proactively compares calculated power against thresholds and preemptively interrupts power delivery when approaching dangerous levels, preventing equipment damage before it happens
3Measurement precision
If digital power calculation is implemented, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it digitizes current measurements, digitizes voltage measurements, calculates power by multiplying these values, compares the result against thresholds, and controls power interruption. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate circuits into a single integrated component, achieving high precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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
Enables precise digital calculation and control of power delivery, quickly identifying and preventing excess power from being supplied to loads, thereby protecting equipment and optimizing power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
determine a digitized value of a current flowing through the shunt resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A power interruption circuit for use in a power distribution module is provided. The power interruption circuit is configured to provide power to a load and includes a shunt resistor, a plurality of switches, and microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to determine a digitized value of a current flowing through the shunt resistor, determine a digitized value of an output voltage of the power interruption circuit, calculate, from the digitized current value and the digitized output voltage value, a power provided by the power interruption circuit to the load, compare the calculated power to a threshold power level, and control the plurality of switches based on the comparison.