Probe Power Management via Periodic Current Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe systems face frequent standstill due to exhausted batteries, reducing their availability and service life, as they lack efficient energy management to optimize battery usage.
Innovation Solution
A probe system with a voltage transformer and a charge storage unit, controlled by a monitoring device, which generates a higher output voltage and delivers current pulses at defined intervals to a load, allowing for careful power extraction from the power source, thereby extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous power supply is provided to the load, then the load operates continuously, but the battery is drained quickly reducing probe availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by delivering power to the load in discrete current pulses at defined intervals rather than continuous supply. The control unit monitors battery charge level and regulates power delivery timing, allowing the battery to recharge between pulses. This periodic operation mode enables the load to function intermittently while preserving battery life and maintaining probe availability over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through the charge storage unit that accumulates energy in advance from the power source before delivering it to the load. The control unit predicts future power requirements and pre-charges the storage unit during periods when the load is not active, ensuring immediate power availability when needed while avoiding excessive battery drain.
2Power
If high current is supplied to the load, then the load performance is maximized, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers high current to the load in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. The control unit regulates the pulse duration and frequency based on battery charge level monitoring, allowing peak power delivery when needed while providing rest periods for battery recharge. This maintains load performance during operation while extending overall battery service life through controlled intermittent high-current delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge storage unit serves as an intermediary between the power source and the load. It buffers high current demands by storing energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during high-demand pulses, protecting the battery from direct high-current stress while maintaining the ability to supply peak power to the load when required.
3Power
If the voltage transformer operates at high power, then the output voltage is sufficient for the load, but the input power consumption from the battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformer operates dynamically with variable input power levels controlled by the control unit. Based on real-time monitoring of battery charge level and load requirements, the controller adjusts the transformer's power conversion ratio and operating duty cycle. This allows the transformer to deliver sufficient output voltage during high-demand periods while reducing input power consumption during low-demand periods, optimizing the balance between output performance and battery energy usage.
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 system significantly increases the availability of the probe by prolonging battery life through efficient energy management, minimizing power consumption and reducing battery drain, allowing for longer operational periods.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage transformer is controllable by a device for monitoring the input power of the voltage transformer, a voltage being able to be generated at the output of the voltage transformer which is higher than the output voltage of the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A probe is configured such that an output current pulse is able to be delivered by the charge storage at defined intervals to a load. A mean power to be fed to the charge storage is ascertainable for a subsequent time interval, and the level of the mean input power, which is to be drawn by the voltage transformer from the power source, is specifiable as a function of the ascertained mean power. The voltage transformer is controllable accordingly.