Power Supply Output Limiting via Dual Detection Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power supply devices fail to comply with safety standards when precise power detection methods are invalid, potentially leading to misoperation or safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device with a controller that includes a first detection circuit for monitoring output current and a second detection circuit for detecting other electrical characteristics, allowing the controller to determine the validity of the first detection circuit and limit output power when it is invalid, thereby preventing misoperation and safety hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a precise power detection method is used to obtain output current value, then power control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the detection method becomes invalid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput current value detection precisionVSAvoidsystem reliability when detection is invalid

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second detection circuit as an intermediary to detect electrical characteristics other than output current value. This secondary detection mechanism serves as a mediator to verify the validity of the primary detection circuit, preventing system failures when the primary detection becomes invalid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller compares the first detection result (output current value) with the second detection result (other electrical characteristics) to determine whether the first detection circuit is valid. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect detection failures and switch to a limited power output mode, ensuring continued safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the controller relies solely on output current value for power control, then control simplicity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential misoperation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidsafety hazards from misoperation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation by comparing detection results before executing power control operations. The controller determines the validity of the detection circuit in advance, preventing misoperation and safety hazards before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares a fallback mechanism by implementing a limited power output mode. When detection validity is confirmed, the system operates normally; when invalidity is detected, the system automatically transitions to the pre-prepared limited power mode, cushioning against potential safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11930573B2Power supply device

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 POWER FOREST TECH

AI summary

A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a power converter and a controller. The controller controls the power converter to generate an output power. The controller includes a first detection circuit and a second detection circuit. The first detection circuit detects the output power to obtain a first detection result. The first detection result is a variation of an output current value of the output power. The second detection circuit detects electrical characteristics other than the output current value to obtain a second detection result. The controller determines whether to limit output of the output power according to a relationship between the first detection result and the second detection result.