Power Switch Device Dynamic Retry Backoff for Overload Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power switch devices face repetitive stress and potential failure due to repeated retries in cases of overload or short circuit conditions, especially in applications like automotive light bulbs, where the filament's resistance changes, leading to frequent switching attempts.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a retry scheme with two distinct intervals, a first retry scheme with shorter intervals and a second retry scheme with longer intervals, followed by disabling the power switch if the overload persists, to reduce repetitive stress and prevent failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power switch device continuously retries closing after overload or short circuit events, then the switch may eventually close when the filament resistance increases, but the repetitive stress causes high stress and potential failure of the power switch device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch closing successVSAvoidpower switch device durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic retry intervals that adapt based on the number of previous retries. The retry interval increases with each subsequent retry attempt, transforming the static continuous retry approach into a dynamic progressive backoff strategy. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining retry functionality while progressively reducing stress on the power switch device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces periodic waiting intervals between retry attempts instead of continuous operation. By implementing mandatory pause periods that increase with each retry cycle, the system allows stress recovery while maintaining periodic attempts to achieve the desired switching function, thereby protecting the power switch device from repetitive failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the power switch device opens the switch during overload or short circuit events, then protection is provided, but repeated opening and closing causes repetitive stress leading to device failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against overloadVSAvoidrepetitive stress on power switch
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares for potential retry stress by implementing predetermined increasing intervals before retries occur. This cushioning approach ensures that sufficient time elapses between attempts, preventing excessive repetitive stress while maintaining the protection function. The system anticipates potential retry scenarios and pre-establishes stress-mitigating timing parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If multiple retry attempts are made with short intervals, then the filament may heat up and resistance increase allowing successful switching, but the short intervals cause high repetitive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch closing successVSAvoidretry time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts retry intervals based on the retry count, transitioning from shorter initial intervals to progressively longer intervals. This dynamic timing strategy balances the need for relatively quick switching success with the need to limit repetitive stress, optimizing both time efficiency and device protection throughout the retry process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach effectively manages overload conditions by allowing sufficient time for the filament to heat up and reduce current, thereby minimizing repetitive stress on the power switch device and preventing premature failure.

Implementation Method 1

with each retry the filament may be heated more until its resistance is sufficiently high to keep the switch closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9887532B2Power switch device
Publication Date: 2018.02.06 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US9887532B2 patent drawing
  • US9887532B2 patent drawing
  • US9887532B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices and methods comprising a switch and an overload detection are disclosed. When an overload detection is detected, a first retry scheme followed by a second retry scheme different from the first retry scheme may be applied. If the overload condition persists, the switch may be disabled.