Reconfigurable Coupled Inductor for Load-Dependent Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupled inductors face inefficiencies in both heavy and light load conditions, requiring optimized uncoupled inductor properties for high efficiency and transient response, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable coupled inductor with adjustable coupling coefficients, achieved by using metal rings controlled by switches, allowing for real-time changes from zero to high coupling, optimizing efficiency and transient response across varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a coupled inductor is used, then transient response is improved, but efficiency deteriorates in light-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable coupled inductor where the coupling coefficient can be dynamically adjusted based on load conditions. The system transitions from a fixed coupled inductor configuration to a dynamic one that can switch between different coupling states (fully coupled, partially coupled, or uncoupled) to optimize performance across varying load conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between transient response and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling coefficient parameter of the inductor based on operating conditions. By adjusting the coupling coefficient from zero (uncoupled) to high values (fully coupled) according to load requirements, the system achieves both high efficiency in light-load conditions and fast transient response in heavy-load conditions, resolving the performance trade-off.
2Loss of energy
If uncoupled inductors are used, then efficiency is improved in light-load conditions, but transient response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable coupled inductor dynamically adjusts its coupling state based on load conditions. In light-load conditions, it operates in uncoupled mode for high efficiency, while in heavy-load conditions, it transitions to fully coupled mode for fast transient response, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and transient response across different operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the coupling coefficient parameter from zero (uncoupled) to high values (fully coupled) based on load requirements. This parameter adjustment allows the inductor to achieve both high efficiency in light-load conditions and fast transient response in heavy-load conditions, resolving the performance trade-off.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductor designs are used for different load conditions, then performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single reconfigurable coupled inductor that can perform multiple functions by adjusting its coupling coefficient. Instead of requiring separate inductor designs for different load conditions, this universal inductor structure can operate in uncoupled, partially coupled, and fully coupled modes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance optimization across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable coupled inductor uses dynamic control of the coupling coefficient to achieve different operational characteristics from a single device structure. This eliminates the need for multiple static inductor designs, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize performance for both light-load and heavy-load conditions through real-time parameter adjustment.
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 reconfigurable coupled inductor maximizes performance and efficiency by dynamically adjusting coupling coefficients, reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple inductor designs and improving power delivery systems' efficiency and transient response in a wide range of loading conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coupled inductor is a pair of inductors that are linked by electromagnetic induction such that when a current flows through one coil, the coil sets up a magnetic field which is coupled to a second coil and induces a voltage in that second coil
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable coupled inductor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the reconfigurable coupled inductor comprises metal rings and switches coupled to the metal rings to control at least one inductor property (e.g., coupling coefficient) based on a closed (e.g., on) or open state (e.g., off) of each switch.