Multi-Converter Power Switching Control for Voltage Fluctuation Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face malfunctions and processing quality deterioration due to sudden voltage fluctuations when switching between power sources, as previous technologies do not account for voltage fluctuations during power source switching.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with first, second, and third voltage converter circuits that dynamically adjust output voltages to minimize fluctuations, with a control unit setting the second output voltage to a value higher than the current setting but lower than 1/n of the input voltage from the first power source, ensuring smooth transitions between power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power source switching is implemented to maintain stable operation, then power supply reliability is improved, but voltage fluctuations cause malfunctions and processing quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidvoltage fluctuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit sets the second output voltage to a first voltage (higher than current setting but lower than 1/n of first power source input voltage) before switching to the first power source. This preliminary voltage adjustment ensures that when the power source switches, the voltage transition is gradual and controlled, preventing sudden voltage fluctuations that would otherwise cause malfunctions or processing quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically changes the output voltage parameter of the second voltage converter circuit before power source switching. By adjusting the second output voltage to a specific range (between current setting and 1/n of first power source input voltage), the system prepares the voltage levels in advance, ensuring smooth transition and eliminating harmful voltage fluctuations during power source switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple voltage converter circuits are used to reduce voltage fluctuations, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second voltage converter circuit serves multiple functions: it normally converts second power source voltage to operational voltage, and before power source switching, it acts as a voltage buffer by setting its output to a controlled first voltage. This multi-functionality allows the existing circuit to reduce voltage fluctuations without adding significant complexity, as the same circuit performs both standard power conversion and voltage stabilization roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second voltage converter circuit acts as an intermediary between the first and second power sources during switching transitions. By setting its output voltage to a controlled first voltage that is higher than current setting but lower than 1/n of the first power source input voltage, it mediates the voltage transition, preventing direct conflict between the two power sources and ensuring smooth handover without requiring complex additional circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively reduces voltage fluctuations during power source switching, preventing malfunctions and maintaining stable operation by utilizing high-efficiency voltage conversion and controlled voltage adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a first voltage converter circuit that converts an input voltage from a first power source or a second power source to a first output voltage, the first output voltage being 1/n of the input voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a second voltage converter circuit that converts the input voltage from the second power source to a second output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a third voltage converter circuit that converts a higher one of the first output voltage and the second output voltage to a third output voltage, and supplies the third output voltage to a load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS20240405674A1Electronic device and control method for the same
Publication Date: 2024.12.05 CANON KK
  • US20240405674A1 patent drawing
  • US20240405674A1 patent drawing
  • US20240405674A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device comprises a first converter circuit converting an input voltage from a first or second power source to a first output voltage being 1/n of the input voltage (n>=2); a second converter circuit converting the input voltage from the second power source to a second output voltage; and a third converter circuit converting a higher one of the first and second output voltages to a third output voltage to be supplied to a load. The device, if the input voltage from the first power source is supplied to the first converter circuit, sets the second output voltage to be higher than a currently set voltage and lower than 1/n of the input voltage. The device then performs control to supply the input voltage from the first power source to the first converter circuit.