Series Switch Failure Prevention via Constant On-State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit protection systems for series-connected switch devices in power converters suffer from time delays and inability to prevent failures, leading to potential circuit breakdown.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect failure risk indicators for each switch device, determining if they have a failure risk and placing switch devices with a failure risk in a constant on-state if the number is within a preset value, thereby preventing failure and maintaining circuit reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches or semiconductor switches are used to bypass faulty switch devices, then the circuit can be protected from failure, but there is a time delay and the faulty switch device cannot be prevented from failing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting failure risk indicators (such as voltage across the switch device) before actual failure occurs. The control device proactively places switch devices at risk of failure into a constant on-state in advance, preventing the failure from happening rather than reacting after failure occurs. This eliminates the time delay inherent in conventional bypass methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a control-based electronic system. Instead of using mechanical switches or semiconductor switches to physically bypass faulty devices, the invention uses a control device that detects failure risks and adjusts the operating state of switch devices electronically through control signals, eliminating mechanical movement and associated time delays.
2Reliability
If switch devices are placed in constant on-state to eliminate failure risk, then switch device failure is prevented, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device autonomously monitors failure risk indicators and independently determines when to place switch devices in a constant on-state without requiring external intervention or complex control logic. The system serves itself by using its own detection capabilities to trigger protective actions, simplifying the overall control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the switch device from normal switching operation to a constant on-state. This parameter change is a simple binary decision based on failure risk detection, avoiding the need for complex control mechanisms while effectively preventing switch device failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for protecting a circuit is provided, wherein the circuit comprises a plurality of switch devices connected in series. The method comprises detecting a failure risk indicator of each switch device; determining whether each switch device has a failure risk based on the corresponding failure risk indicator; and making each of the switch device(s) having the failure risk in a constant on-state to eliminate the failure risk and prevent a failure of the switch device optionally if a number of the switch device(s) which have or had the failure risk is less than or equal to a preset value.