Switch State Detection with Adaptive Threshold Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch state determining devices may erroneously determine the ON/OFF state of a switch due to aged deterioration, which can cause unintentional changes in terminal voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A switch state determining device is designed with a constant current generating part, voltage comparing part, ON/OFF determining part, threshold voltage control part, and level determining part, which includes an analog-to-digital conversion part and abnormality detection features to accurately assess and adjust threshold voltages, preventing erroneous determinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple voltage comparison method is used to determine switch state, then the device structure is simple, but erroneous determination occurs due to aged deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the terminal voltage level before performing the ON/OFF determination. The level determining part checks whether the terminal voltage is within a predetermined range before the voltage comparing part makes the switch state determination. This preliminary check prevents erroneous determinations caused by aged deterioration of the switch, as the system identifies and handles abnormal voltage conditions before they lead to incorrect switch state readings.
2Ease of operation
If threshold voltage is fixed, then the device operation is simple, but determination errors occur when terminal voltage level changes due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold voltage control part can modify the threshold voltage based on the terminal voltage level detected by the level determining part. When the terminal voltage is found to be outside the predetermined range, the system adjusts the threshold voltage accordingly, allowing the determination system to adapt to aged switches while maintaining simple operation through automated adjustment.
3Device complexity
If no abnormality detection is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but erroneous determinations occur due to aged switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary abnormality detection by checking the terminal voltage level before performing switch state determination. The level determining part serves as a preliminary check that identifies whether the terminal voltage is within acceptable ranges. This preliminary detection prevents erroneous determinations by flagging abnormal conditions before they affect the main determination function, thereby improving reliability with minimal additional complexity.
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 device effectively reduces erroneous ON/OFF state determinations by autonomously adjusting threshold voltages and detecting abnormalities in terminal voltage levels, ensuring accurate switch state assessment even with aged switches.
Implementation Method 1
a constant current generating part configured to generate a constant current and flow the constant current through the external terminal
Implementation Method 2
a voltage comparing part configured to compare a terminal voltage of the external terminal with a threshold voltage to generate a comparison signal
Implementation Method 3
an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion part configured to convert the terminal voltage into the terminal voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
A switch state determining device, includes: an external terminal to which a switch is externally attached; a constant current generating part configured to generate a constant current and flow the constant current through the external terminal; a voltage comparing part configured to compare a terminal voltage of the external terminal with a threshold voltage to generate a comparison signal; an ON/OFF determining part configured to output an ON/OFF determination signal of the switch depending on the comparison signal; a threshold voltage control part configured to adjust the threshold voltage depending on a threshold voltage set value; and a level determining part configured to output a level determination signal of the terminal voltage or a terminal voltage value.