Step-Up Circuit Stepwise Current Control for Induction Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

High target current values in step-up circuits for fuel injection valves lead to significant current fluctuations during startup and shutdown, causing unintended voltage changes by electromagnetic induction, which can result in circuit malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a stepwise control of current values by varying the ON/OFF duty cycle and frequency of the step-up switching element, using multiple target current thresholds to manage current rise and drop, thereby reducing voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the target current value is increased to achieve higher voltage output, then the voltage output capability is improved, but the current fluctuation during startup and shutdown increases causing electromagnetic induction and voltage changes in signal lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage output capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic induction and voltage changes in signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single large current change into multiple smaller current changes by introducing intermediate current thresholds. Instead of switching directly from zero to the final target current value, the switching element progresses through multiple intermediate current levels (first intermediate threshold, second intermediate threshold, etc.), thereby reducing the rate of current change (di/dt) and minimizing electromagnetic induction effects in each transition stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple intermediate current thresholds before the final target current value is reached. These intermediate thresholds are set in advance to guide the gradual current increase, ensuring that the system prepares for controlled transitions and avoids sudden large current fluctuations that would cause harmful electromagnetic induction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the current is increased rapidly from zero to reach the target current value, then the response speed is improved, but the current fluctuation causes voltage changes in signal lines by electromagnetic induction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent response speedVSAvoidvoltage changes in signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rapid current increase into multiple controlled stages by setting intermediate current thresholds. Each stage increases the current by a smaller amount at a controlled rate, maintaining faster overall response compared to traditional methods while avoiding the harmful voltage spikes caused by single-step rapid current changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through repeated switching cycles between the intermediate current thresholds and the target current value. The switching element oscillates between these thresholds, progressively building up the current to the final value through controlled periodic transitions, which reduces electromagnetic induction effects while maintaining response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If the current is decreased rapidly when stepping up is stopped, then the shutdown response speed is improved, but the current drop amount increases causing voltage changes by electromagnetic induction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutdown response speedVSAvoidvoltage changes in signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rapid current decrease during shutdown into multiple smaller drops by introducing intermediate current thresholds for reduction. Instead of dropping the current from the final target value directly to zero, the system decreases through intermediate thresholds (first intermediate threshold, second intermediate threshold, etc.), reducing the rate of current change and minimizing electromagnetic induction effects while maintaining shutdown speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing intermediate current thresholds for reduction before shutdown begins. These thresholds guide the controlled current decrease, ensuring that the system prepares for gradual current reduction and avoids sudden large current drops that would cause harmful voltage changes in signal lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach effectively minimizes voltage changes caused by electromagnetic induction, reducing the impact on peripheral circuits and preventing potential malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

the larger the average current value to be maintained constant is, the larger the current fluctuation at the time when stepping up is started is. Accordingly, voltage changes in signal lines around the circuit is generated by electromagnetic induction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3148064B1Electronic control device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYST LTD
  • EP3148064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3148064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3148064B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a step-up circuit, which is an electronic control device, changes in current caused by a current rise when stepping up is started and a current drop when stepping up is stopped generate magnetic induction noise due to fluctuations in the electromagnetic induction voltage in signal lines around the step-up circuit. The present invention is a step-up circuit for stepping up by current control, wherein the step-up circuit is provided with a plurality of target current values for retaining a step-up current so that the current is raised in a stepwise manner when stepping up is started and dropped in a stepwise manner when stepping up is stopped. The present invention reduces electromagnetic induction noise generated by the changes in current when stepping up is started and when stepping up is stopped.