Sensor Device Power Supply Routing for Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices face issues with power consumption and measurement accuracy due to voltage variations caused by DC converter noise and battery voltage fluctuations, especially when measuring minute changes in physical parameters.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a power supply system that includes a DC converter and a regulator, where the power supply routes are switched based on the operating state, with the regulator providing a stable voltage to the sensor unit to maintain high accuracy and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the DC converter is used to supply power to the sensor unit, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy degrades due to voltage variation from switching noise
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two separate routes: one route (first power supply route) supplies power directly from the power supply to the sensor unit without passing through the DC converter, and another route (second power supply route) supplies power through the DC converter. The controller selectively switches between these routes based on operating conditions, allowing the sensor unit to receive clean power when high accuracy is needed while still benefiting from the DC converter's power efficiency when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic through the controller that switches between different power supply routes based on the operating state of the sensor unit. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different measurement requirements and operating conditions, selecting the appropriate power path to maintain measurement accuracy while optimizing power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the battery is used as power supply, then portability is improved, but measurement accuracy degrades due to battery voltage lowering and variation with use
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator acts as an intermediary component between the battery (power supply) and the sensor unit. It stabilizes the battery voltage that varies with use, providing a constant voltage to the sensor unit regardless of battery state. This intermediary component isolates the sensor unit from battery voltage fluctuations, maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving the portability benefits of battery operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply route through DC converter is always used, then power consumption decreases, but voltage stability deteriorates due to switching noise
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into segmented routes with different characteristics: one route optimized for power efficiency (through DC converter) and another route optimized for voltage stability (direct connection with regulator). The controller segments the power supply function by selecting appropriate routes based on operational requirements, allowing the system to achieve both power efficiency and voltage stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator serves as an intermediary that stabilizes voltage in the direct power supply route, compensating for the lack of voltage regulation in that path. This intermediary component ensures that even when using the direct power supply route for stability-critical operations, the voltage remains stable and free from switching noise effects.
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 decreases power consumption and ensures high-accuracy measurements even under varying operating conditions by stabilizing the voltage supplied to the sensor unit, thereby extending battery life and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert a voltage
Implementation Method 2
a regulator configured to regulate the voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sensor device (1) includes a first sensor unit (40), a control IC (10) configured to switch a power supply route, a power supply (60), a DC converter (20), and a regulator (30) configured to regulate the voltage. A power supply route A and a power supply route B is provided as a power supply route from the power supply (60) to the sensor unit (40) and the control IC (10). In the power supply route A, the sensor unit (40) is not electrically conducted to the power supply (60), and the control IC (10) is directly connected to the power supply (60). In the power supply route B, the power supply (60), the DC converter (20), and the regulator (30) are connected in series, output of the regulator (30) is supplied to the sensor unit (40), and output of the DC converter (20) is supplied to the control IC (10). The control IC (10) switches between the power supply route A and the power supply route B according to an operating state of the sensor unit (40).