Power Signal Error Detection Apparatus for Converter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply converters lack effective protection against errors related to the power signal input, such as open circuits or short circuits to ground, which can lead to unpredictable switching and potential damage, posing risks to the converter system and human safety.
Innovation Solution
An error detection apparatus comprising a comparing unit to assess the power signal against a reference signal, a switching unit to ensure the external device is switched off upon error detection, and a triggering unit to provide a signal for switching based on the comparison, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no error detection is implemented in the power signal input, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to vulnerability against open circuits and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary error detection by comparing the power signal with a reference voltage before the signal is used to control the power switch. The comparing unit detects potential errors (open circuits, short circuits) in advance, and the triggering unit prepares to activate the switching unit to disregard control signals and switch off the device upon detecting an error condition, preventing damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a comparing unit as an intermediary component between the power signal input and the control logic. This comparing unit acts as a mediator that evaluates the power signal against a reference voltage and generates comparison results that trigger error detection and protection mechanisms, adding a layer of safety without requiring complete redesign of the power conversion system.
2Reliability
If error detection and protection mechanisms are added, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional comparing and triggering units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing error detection specifically at the power signal input stage where it is most critical, rather than throughout the entire system. The comparing unit is positioned to monitor the power signal at its source, and the protection mechanism is activated locally at the switching unit, which directly controls the power switch. This targeted approach provides effective protection with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering unit is configured to receive both control signals and comparison results, and it prepares in advance to disregard control signals and activate the switching unit when an error is detected. This preliminary preparation of the protection mechanism ensures that when an error occurs, the system can respond immediately by switching off the device, maximizing reliability while keeping the response mechanism simple and direct.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the switching unit disregards control signals upon error detection, then the protection effectiveness is high, but the loss of information is increased as control signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error detection and protection function from the normal control signal path. The triggering unit separately processes comparison results and control signals, and only blocks control signals when an error is detected. This separation allows the system to maintain normal control operation during regular operation while providing strong protection when errors occur, minimizing information loss during normal operation and maximizing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit is designed to disregard control signals as a preliminary protective measure when errors are detected, preventing potential damage before it can occur. This anti-action is triggered only under error conditions and is reversible once the error is cleared, allowing the system to maintain normal control functionality during regular operation while providing strong protection when errors occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An error detection apparatus for detecting an error in a power signal output by an external device switchable by a switching signal has a comparing unit for comparing the power signal with a reference signal to yield a comparison signal, a switching unit for providing the switching signal dependent on a control signal with the switching unit being designed to disregard the control signal and to ensure that the external device is switched off upon provision of a triggering signal to the switching unit, and a triggering unit for providing the triggering signal depending on the control signal and the comparison signal. Alternatively, the error detection apparatus has an influencing unit for influencing the power signal, such that the power signal fulfils a predetermined relationship to a reference signal in the case of an occurrence of the error, whereas the relationship is not fulfilled in the absence of the error.