Power Source Switch Circuit for Short and Drain Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices, especially those with rechargeable or non-rechargeable power sources, face issues of power source drainage due to continuous low power consumption in non-operational states and rapid discharge caused by shorts, leading to reduced operational time and potential thermal excursions.

Innovation Solution

A switch circuit with a controller that monitors voltage and transitions between closed and open states to couple or decouple the power source from the device's circuitry, preventing unnecessary power delivery and limiting current when shorts occur, thereby extending power source life and reducing thermal risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the circuitry remains connected to the power source in low power mode during non-operational state, then the device can quickly resume operation, but the power source drains over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresume operation speedVSAvoidpower source drain

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch controller proactively opens the switch circuit before the power source is fully depleted, preventing the harmful effect of complete drainage while maintaining readiness for rapid operation resumption. This preliminary protective action addresses the contradiction by anticipating the power depletion issue before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the circuitry remains connected to the power source, then the device can respond immediately to operational commands, but a short may develop causing rapid power drain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice responsivenessVSAvoidrapid power drain due to short

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch controller continuously monitors the output voltage of the switch circuit and uses this feedback to detect shorts or abnormal conditions. When the voltage drops below a threshold indicating a short, the controller opens the switch circuit to prevent rapid power drain, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining responsiveness and preventing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switch circuit is kept closed to maintain power supply, then operational readiness is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational readinessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch circuit dynamically transitions between closed and open states based on operational needs and power conditions. The switch controller adjusts the circuit state in real-time, keeping it closed when power is needed and opening it when power conservation is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Duration of action of moving object

If the switch controller monitors voltage and opens the circuit when voltage drops below threshold, then power source life is extended, but the device may not respond immediately to operational commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source lifeVSAvoidresponse delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switch controller opens the circuit proactively before complete power depletion occurs, extending power source life while maintaining the ability to quickly close the circuit again when needed. This preliminary action prevents the worse scenario of complete drainage while minimizing response time penalties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20120066534A1Power source coupling and decoupling in medical device

Publication Date: 2012.03.15 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to coupling and decoupling a power source of a device with circuitry within the device. For example, in aspects of this disclosure, when a short develops within the device, a switch circuit may decouple the power source from the some of the circuitry within the device. Decoupling the power source when a short develops may extent the operational time of the power source, and may reduce thermal excursion.