Power Supply Delay Preventing Oscillations in Autonomous Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experience oscillations between primary and secondary power sources during high-power maneuvers, leading to rapid temperature increases and potential damage due to excessive switching cycles, as the primary power supply shuts off and the secondary supply takes over, causing continuous switching between sources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a delay mechanism in the power path controller to keep the primary power supply off for a pre-selected time when it shuts down due to overloading, allowing the secondary power supply to handle high-power demands and preventing oscillations by ensuring the primary supply remains off until it can safely resume operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the primary power supply shuts off when overloaded and the secondary supply takes over, then the system can handle high-power demands, but oscillations occur between power sources causing excessive switching cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a delay mechanism that prevents the primary power supply from immediately shutting off when overloaded. Instead, the system waits for a predetermined time period before switching to the secondary supply, allowing the primary supply opportunity to recover and potentially handle the load without oscillation. This anticipatory delay prevents the harmful oscillation cycle before it can occur.
2Reliability
If constant switching between power sources occurs during oscillations, then the system attempts to maintain power supply, but temperature rises rapidly and electronics may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The delay mechanism serves as a preliminary protective action that prevents the primary power supply from immediately re-engaging during high-power demands. By introducing this time delay, the system avoids rapid switching cycles that would generate excessive heat in electronic components, while still maintaining power supply continuity through the secondary source during the delay period.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used for power source switching, then the system can physically connect/disconnect power sources, but the lifespan of the switch is shortened due to increased switching cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined delay implemented in the patent acts as a preliminary protective measure that reduces the frequency of switching operations on mechanical switches. By preventing immediate re-engagement of the primary power supply during overload conditions, the system significantly reduces the number of switching cycles that mechanical switches must endure, thereby extending their operational lifespan while maintaining the capability to switch between power sources when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for autonomous systems comprising the steps of using a feedback circuit to provide power to an autonomous system, wherein the feedback circuit is configured to alternate between a first and second sources of power depending on availability of power; creating a delay in the circuit by electrically coupling the circuit to a comparator, a one-shot signal, and a low pass filter, wherein the delay is configured to last for a specified amount of time, and wherein the delay will prevent the power from uncontrolled back and forth oscillation between the first and second power sources.