Power Supply Control Apparatus Ground Disconnection Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply control apparatuses fail to prevent unstable conditions and potential damage when the ground connection is disconnected, leading to risks of circuit destruction or ignition.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control apparatus with a control circuit, switch element, and bypass device that maintains a stable ground connection by applying a ground current through a load or control signal wire when the ground terminal is disconnected, and includes a reverse current preventive system to prevent short circuits when the power supply is connected in reverse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an earth connecting mechanism is used to prevent non-connection state of ground during connector connection/disconnection, then ground stability during connector operation is improved, but the mechanism cannot prevent non-connection state of ground when an earth wire connected to an earth terminal is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass device as an intermediary component that creates an alternative current path between the ground terminal and ground electric potential. When the primary earth wire connection is disconnected, the bypass device activates to maintain the ground connection, thus extending the protection coverage while preserving the original earth connecting mechanism's function during connector operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass device is pre-configured in the circuit as a standby protection mechanism. Before the ground wire disconnection occurs, the bypass device is already in place and ready to activate, providing prior cushioning against the potential harm of ground disconnection. This ensures continuous ground connection stability regardless of earth wire status.
2Reliability
If a bypass device is added to prevent ground disconnection effects, then circuit element destruction is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass device utilizes simple, inexpensive components such as diodes and resistors that can be easily integrated into the existing circuit. These components are robust and require minimal maintenance, providing reliable protection without significantly increasing device complexity or cost. The bypass device acts as a sacrificial protection mechanism that safeguards critical circuit elements.
3Reliability
If the bypass device always applies ground current through the load, then ground terminal stability is maintained, but power consumption increases and reverse current may damage the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass device employs dynamic control through diodes and switching mechanisms that automatically adjust the current path based on circuit conditions. When the ground connection is stable, the bypass device remains inactive to minimize power consumption. When ground disconnection is detected, the device dynamically activates to apply ground current through the load, maintaining ground terminal stability only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass device inverts the normal current flow direction under specific conditions by using diodes to allow current to flow through the load in reverse direction when needed for ground stabilization. This inversion capability enables the device to maintain ground potential stability while preventing reverse current from damaging the power supply, as the diode orientation controls the current direction.
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
Prevents unstable actions in the control circuit, avoids destruction of circuit elements, and ensures safe operation by maintaining a stable ground connection and preventing short circuits, thus preventing ignition and damage to the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The load has impedance for changing the electric potential of the ground terminal into an electric potential in which the switch control unit stably acts when the ground current flows
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide a power supply control apparatus which can connect a ground to a suitable electric potential when the ground is disconnected. The power supply control apparatus includes a control circuit having a switch element and a switch control unit, and a load. One terminal of load is connected to a direct-current power supply through the switch element, and the other terminal is connected to a ground electric potential. The switch control unit has a ground terminal connected to the ground electric potential and outputting a ground current flowing toward the ground electric potential. The control circuit includes a bypass device having a load side bypass system for passing the ground current to the ground electric potential through the load when connection between the ground terminal and the ground electric potential is disconnected. The load includes impedance for changing the electric potential of ground terminal into an electric potential in which the switch control unit stably acts when the ground current flows.