Reverse Current Switch with Integrated Comparison Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reverse current switches in power supply systems are complex and inefficient, particularly when operating under low voltage conditions, limiting their ability to effectively manage power distribution and prevent reverse current discharge.

Innovation Solution

A reverse current switch with a simple structure, utilizing a comparison unit and switch resistance unit controlled by voltage, along with optional voltage-controlled and hysteresis generation units, to manage power flow and prevent reverse current discharge efficiently under low voltage conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional reverse current switch is used, then reverse current protection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse current protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the comparison function and switch control function into a single integrated circuit structure. The first and second comparison units share common input terminals (first input terminal and second input terminal), and their output terminals are directly connected to the control terminals of the first and second switch units respectively. This merging eliminates the need for separate control circuits and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining reverse current protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The comparison units in the patent serve multiple functions: they not only detect voltage differences to control switch states but also inherently provide hysteresis effect through their design. The third and fourth comparison units (when present) add over-voltage and under-voltage protection functions to the same circuit structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protection circuits, simplifying the overall device structure.

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

2Reliability

If a traditional reverse current switch is used, then reverse current protection is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse current protectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs comparison units that continuously monitor voltage differences but only activate switch units when voltage thresholds are exceeded. The switch units operate in a periodic on/off manner based on voltage conditions rather than remaining continuously conductive. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption compared to traditional switches that may require continuous control signals or remain in a high-power state for safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The comparison units automatically generate control signals for the switch units based on voltage difference detection, eliminating the need for external control circuits or additional power-consuming control logic. The circuit self-regulates by using the voltage information already present at its input terminals to directly control the switch states, reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If voltage detection sensitivity is increased, then current detection accuracy improves, but the circuit becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voltage detection function into multiple independent comparison units (first, second, and optionally third and fourth comparison units), each responsible for detecting specific voltage difference thresholds. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific detection task with high precision, while the modular structure prevents the overall circuit from becoming overly complex. Each comparison unit operates independently with its own control terminal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves high detection accuracy by changing the threshold parameters of the comparison units rather than increasing circuit complexity. The first and second comparison units are configured with specific threshold voltages to detect different voltage difference conditions. By adjusting these parameter thresholds, the system achieves precise current detection across different operating conditions without adding complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables low power consumption and improved current detection accuracy, reducing the complexity and enhancing the reliability of power supply systems by effectively controlling the switch resistance based on voltage differences, thus preventing reverse current discharge.

Implementation Method 1

a comparison unit including a first input end, a second input end, and a first output end... when a voltage of the first input end is greater than a voltage of the second input end, the voltage of the first output end controls the switch resistance unit to be in an on state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Implementation Method 2

the switch resistance unit is controlled by a voltage of the first output end, where when a voltage of the first input end is greater than a voltage of the second input end, the voltage of the first output end controls the switch resistance unit to be in an on state; or when a voltage of the first input end is less than a voltage of the second input end, the voltage of the first output end controls the switch resistance unit to be in an off state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage-controlled resistance switching:

Data Source

PatentUS11342913B2Reverse current switch
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • US11342913B2 patent drawing
  • US11342913B2 patent drawing
  • US11342913B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a reverse current switch. The reverse current switch includes: a comparison unit including a first input end, a second input end, and a first output end; and a switch resistance unit, where a first end of the switch resistance unit is connected to the first input end, a second end of the switch resistance unit is connected to the second input end, and a third end of the switch resistance unit is connected to the output end of the comparison unit, and the switch resistance unit is controlled by a voltage of the first output end. This reverse current switch has a simple structure and can implement working under low voltage conditions.