Shared Power Source for Multi-Diode Temperature Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature detecting devices for power conversion systems, such as inverters, require multiple thermo-sensitive diodes for temperature detection, leading to a complex configuration and increased costs due to the need for multiple constant current power sources.

Innovation Solution

A temperature detecting device with multiple temperature detecting elements connected in series or parallel, sharing a common power source, allowing for the detection of average or individual temperatures of multiple temperature detection objects, thereby reducing the number of components and preventing accuracy loss from power source variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple constant current power sources are provided for each thermo-sensitive diode, then temperature detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple constant current power sources into a single shared power source that supplies current to all thermo-sensitive diodes. This is achieved by connecting the diodes in a configuration where they share common current paths, eliminating the need for separate power sources for each diode while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single constant current power source is designed to serve multiple functions by simultaneously powering multiple thermo-sensitive diodes. This universal power source can provide stable current to all diodes in the system, replacing the need for multiple specialized power sources.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple constant current power sources are provided for each thermo-sensitive diode, then individual temperature detection is enabled, but component count increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual temperature detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power source components into a single shared component that serves all thermo-sensitive diodes. This merging reduces the total component count while preserving the ability to detect individual temperatures through the shared power source and appropriate circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single constant current power source performs multiple functions by simultaneously supporting multiple temperature detection points. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power source components for each detection point, reducing overall component quantity.

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

3Reliability

If multiple constant current power sources are used, then each temperature detection area is independently powered, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent power supply reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power source functions into a single power source unit, reducing component procurement costs and simplifying manufacturing assembly. The shared power source is designed to reliably power multiple diodes simultaneously, maintaining system reliability while reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single constant current power source is designed as a universal power supply that can serve multiple temperature detection areas. This multi-functional component reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, test, and assemble multiple separate power source units.

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

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 configuration simplifies the temperature detection process, reduces component count, and enhances detection accuracy by using a single power source for multiple temperature detecting elements, minimizing the impact of power source variations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of temperature detecting elements which are provided in correspondence with a plurality of temperature detection objects, and each output a signal having a correlation with the temperature of the temperature detection object when being supplied power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermo-sensitive diode effect:

Data Source

PatentUS9250138B2Temperature detecting device and method
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 DENSO CORP
  • US9250138B2 patent drawing
  • US9250138B2 patent drawing
  • US9250138B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature detecting device for a power conversion device is provided in which the number of components can be reduced. An exemplary embodiment of the temperature detecting device includes: a plurality of temperature detecting elements that are provided in correspondence with a plurality of temperature detection objects, each temperature detecting element outputting a signal having a correlation with the temperature of the temperature detection object by being supplied power by a common power source; and a temperature detector that detects the temperatures of the temperature detection objects based on the signals having correlation with the temperatures of the temperature detection objects outputted from the temperature detecting elements. The temperature detector detects an average temperature of at least two temperature detection objects among the plurality of temperature detection objects or respective temperatures of the plurality of temperature detection objects based on the output signals.