Single-Inductor Converter Switching for Compact Multi-Mode Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-compact devices face challenges in effective power conversion and minimizing external components, as the inclusion of multiple inductors increases device size, making it difficult to perform multiple functions such as charging and voltage/current output efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A converter device with a single inductor and a switching circuit that controls connections between the inductor, battery, and output/input ends using multiple switches, allowing for time-slot based switching operations to perform current output, voltage maintenance, and battery charging, thereby minimizing the number of internal inductor elements and reducing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductors are provided to perform multiple functions (charging and voltage/current output), then the device can perform multiple purposes, but the size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single inductor to perform multiple functions through time-division multiplexing. The inductor is shared across different operational modes (charging mode and voltage/current output mode) by controlling switching elements to connect the inductor to different circuit nodes at different times, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes without increasing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the inductor's connection configuration changeable over time. Switching elements dynamically reconfigure the circuit topology to allocate the inductor to different functional paths based on operational requirements, transforming a static single-function design into a dynamic multi-function system
2Power
If multiple inductors are provided for effective power conversion, then power conversion efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by making the inductor universal across multiple power conversion functions. Instead of requiring separate inductors for charging conversion and voltage/current output conversion, the same inductor is reused in different time slots, reducing the total component count while maintaining power conversion efficiency through proper switching control
3Volume of moving object
If the number of inductor elements is minimized to reduce device size, then device compactness improves, but the ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between compactness and functionality by employing periodic action through time-division multiplexing. The single inductor is alternately allocated to different functional paths in periodic time slots - during first time slots it serves charging operations, during second time slots it serves voltage/current output operations. This periodic switching enables one inductor to effectively perform multiple functions sequentially, achieving both device miniaturization and maintained functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic reconfiguration of circuit topology to enable a single inductor to adapt to different functional requirements. Switching elements dynamically change the inductor's connection state and operational mode based on real-time system needs, allowing the compact single-inductor design to maintain high adaptability across different operating conditions
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 efficient power conversion and minimization of external components, allowing the converter to perform multiple functions while maintaining a compact size, suitable for applications like bio-implantable systems and IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor having a first end and a second end... a current generated through the inductor from the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A converter and a circuit device including the converter are disclosed. The converter includes an inductor including a first end and a second end, and a switching circuit connected to the inductor. The switching circuit includes a first switch to control a connection between the first end and a battery connected to the converter, a second switch to control a connection between the second end and a current output end configured to output a current generated through the inductor from the battery, a third switch to control a connection between the second end and a voltage output end configured to output a voltage generated from the battery, and a fourth switch to control a connection between the second end and a voltage input end configured to receive a voltage to charge the battery.