Power Supply Circuit Series Parallel Switching for Fast Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Energy harvesting technologies produce extremely low voltage outputs from voltage sources, leading to delayed activation of power supply circuits due to the time required for voltage control circuits to charge and boost the voltage to operational levels.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a switch circuit that connects voltage sources in series and parallel, utilizing a voltage control circuit and booster circuit to rapidly charge and boost the voltage, allowing for efficient and swift activation by leveraging the outputs from multiple voltage sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage sources are connected in parallel to the voltage control circuit, then the voltage control circuit can be activated, but it takes a long time for activation because the voltage is extremely low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection configuration of voltage sources changeable over time. The switch circuit dynamically transitions voltage sources from parallel connection during startup to series connection during operation, allowing the system to adapt its electrical characteristics based on the operational phase. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast startup (parallel) while achieving sufficient voltage (series).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first connecting voltage sources in parallel to quickly activate the voltage control circuit before switching to series connection. This preliminary parallel connection enables the control circuit to become operational rapidly, and once activated, the circuit can then switch to series mode to achieve the required voltage level for load operation.
2Speed
If voltage sources are connected in series to increase voltage, then the voltage control circuit can operate faster, but the voltage control circuit cannot be activated initially due to insufficient voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The switch circuit provides dynamic reconfiguration capability, transitioning from parallel to series connection based on operational requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to overcome the initial activation barrier (by using parallel connection) and then achieve high-speed operation (by switching to series connection once activated).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary parallel connection to enable initial activation of the voltage control circuit. Once the circuit is activated and operational, it can then switch to series connection to achieve the higher voltage and faster activation speed required for optimal performance.
3Speed
If multiple voltage sources are used to boost voltage quickly, then activation speed improves, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage sources into multiple units that can be independently connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement where voltage sources can be connected in parallel or series based on operational needs, achieving fast activation while managing complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a plurality of voltage sources, a switch circuit that switches between a state in which the plurality of voltage sources are connected in series and a state in which the plurality of voltage sources are connected in parallel, and a voltage control circuit that boosts an input voltage. The switch circuit connects the plurality of voltage sources in series, supplies an output of the plurality of serially connected voltage sources to an output node of the voltage control circuit, thereafter connects the plurality of voltage sources in parallel, and supplies outputs of the plurality of parallel-connected voltage sources to the voltage control circuit, and the voltage control circuit boosts voltages of the plurality of parallel-connected voltage sources.