Relay Inductor Reuse for Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage conversion methods in power supply systems, particularly in vehicles, are inefficient due to high switching transistor counts and low energy efficiency, especially when using capacitively working charge pumps, which are costly and inefficient for multiple-stage charge pumping.
Innovation Solution
Reusing the coil of a relay as an inductor to perform both primary switching and secondary voltage conversion or buffering functions, eliminating the need for external inductors and capacitively working voltage converters, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capacitively working voltage converters based on charge pumps are used, then the number of external components is reduced and cost is lowered, but energy efficiency deteriorates and switching transistor count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inductor's primary function (switching operation) with a secondary voltage conversion function. The inductor is integrated into both the switching circuit and the voltage converter circuit, allowing it to serve dual purposes. This merging eliminates the need for separate external inductors and reduces the number of switching transistors required, while maintaining or improving energy efficiency compared to traditional charge pump approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the switching element's inductor and the voltage conversion inductor. This multi-functionality allows the same component to be used in different circuit configurations, reducing overall component count and complexity while addressing the energy efficiency concerns of traditional charge pumps.
2Loss of energy
If inductively working voltage converters based on external inductors are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive external inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage conversion inductor function with the existing inductor in the switching circuit. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for separate external inductors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of inductive voltage conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed with universal functionality to operate in both the switching circuit and the voltage conversion circuit. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve inductive voltage conversion efficiency without requiring additional external inductor components, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the inductor is reused for both switching and voltage conversion, then component count is reduced and cost is lowered, but the inductor must perform multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is explicitly designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the switching inductor and the voltage conversion inductor simultaneously. This universal design reduces component count and cost while the patent provides control mechanisms to manage the inductor's operation in different functional modes, thereby maintaining adequate functional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the inductor's operation through switching mechanisms. The inductor's functional role can be dynamically adjusted based on circuit requirements, allowing it to flexibly switch between or combine switching and voltage conversion functions. This dynamic approach maintains adaptability despite the inductor's multi-functional role.
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 increases energy efficiency, reduces power dissipation, and provides a cost-effective solution for generating additional supply voltages needed by electrical components in vehicles, such as high-side switches in inverters, by leveraging the mechanical inertia of relay contacts and pulse-width-modulated currents.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor means for performing at least a primary function within a circuit and for contributing to converting or buffering the voltage as a secondary function
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to devices and methods for converting or buffering a voltage including an inductor configured to perform at least a primary function and to be reused to contribute to converting or buffering the voltage as a secondary function.