Switch Control Module With Diode Clamping for Power Fault Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic equipment is vulnerable to damage when the input power source malfunctions, necessitating a protective module to safeguard against power source failures.

Innovation Solution

A switch control module comprising a master switch, a diode, and a clamping element, which receives a control signal with conducting and non-conducting intervals, couples the diode and master switch to reduce power consumption and ensure the slave switch remains conductive during non-conducting intervals, thereby protecting electronic devices from power source malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the master switch is kept conductive continuously to ensure power supply, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The master switch operates in periodic conducting and non-conducting intervals rather than continuously. The control signal activates the master switch only during specific time intervals to reduce power consumption while maintaining necessary power supply functionality through periodic operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is pre-configured in the circuit to rapidly clamp voltage transients when the master switch transitions from conducting to non-conducting state. This preliminary preparation of the clamping mechanism ensures that voltage spikes are immediately suppressed without requiring continuous switch operation, enabling safer periodic switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the master switch is switched off during non-conducting intervals to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but voltage transients may damage the electronic device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage transient damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element is positioned and configured in advance to provide immediate protection against voltage transients. When the master switch turns off during non-conducting intervals, the clamping element is already in place to capture and suppress any voltage spikes, cushioning the electronic device from potential damage before the transients can cause harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element acts as an intermediary protective component between the master switch and the electronic device. It mediates the interaction by absorbing and redirecting voltage transients generated during switch transitions, preventing direct exposure of the electronic device to harmful voltage spikes while enabling safe periodic switching operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the switching frequency is increased to maintain power supply during non-conducting intervals, then the power supply stability is improved, but the power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic switching with optimized conducting and non-conducting intervals. By carefully designing the duty cycle and interval durations, the system achieves adequate power supply stability during conducting phases while minimizing overall power losses during non-conducting phases, avoiding the need for excessively high switching frequencies that would increase power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

The solution effectively reduces power consumption and ensures the slave switch remains conductive during non-conducting intervals, effectively protecting electronic devices from power source failures by using a diode and clamping element to manage power flow.

Implementation Method 1

a diode (120) couples the clamping element (130) and the master switch (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12107574B2Switch control module
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 LITE ON TECH CORP
  • US12107574B2 patent drawing
  • US12107574B2 patent drawing
  • US12107574B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switch control module including a master switch, a clamping element and a diode is provided. The master switch is configured to receive a control signal having a conducting interval and a non-conducting interval. The diode couples the clamping element and the master switch.