Switch System Voltage Limiting Feedback Current Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch systems experience undesired current flow and renewal issues when in the open state, particularly due to high voltages applied between terminals, leading to unwanted switch reactivation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a current blocking device within the feedback connection of the voltage limiting circuit to prevent current from flowing to the control terminal, thereby preventing charge accumulation and switch reactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the voltage limiting circuit is in active mode to limit the first voltage, then the first voltage is limited, but current flows through the feedback connection to the control terminal causing unwanted switch reactivation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch state stabilityVSAvoidcurrent flow to control terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A current blocking device is introduced as an intermediary element in the feedback connection between the voltage limiting circuit and the control terminal. This device allows the feedback connection to exist for voltage limiting purposes while blocking the harmful current from reaching the control terminal and causing unwanted switch reactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback connection is segmented by inserting the current blocking device, which divides the feedback path into sections that can independently perform different functions: voltage feedback while current blocking. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing voltage limiting without current flow to the control terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the voltage limiting circuit supplies current through its first terminal, then voltage limiting function is achieved, but the control terminal is loaded causing undesired switch renewal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch operation reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol terminal loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current blocking device acts as an intermediary that permits the voltage limiting circuit to supply current for voltage limiting while preventing this current from loading the control terminal. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the voltage feedback function from the control terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high voltage is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal when the switch is open, then voltage limiting is required, but this causes current flow and switch reactivation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage protectionVSAvoidswitch reactivation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The current blocking device serves as a mediator that enables the voltage limiting circuit to protect against high voltage while simultaneously blocking the harmful effect of current flow that would cause switch reactivation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing voltage protection without the associated harmful current effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively prevents current flow through the feedback connection to the control terminal, thereby eliminating unwanted switch reactivation and ensuring stable operation even under high voltage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a current blocking device arranged to prevent the current supplied by the voltage limiting circuit from flowing in the feedback connection to the control terminal of the switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation / Current blocking: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3244535A1Switch system and electrical converter comprising such a switch system
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP3244535A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3244535A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3244535A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The switching system comprises: a switch (1041) having a first terminal (D1), a second terminal (S1), and a control terminal (G1); the first terminal (D1) and the second terminal (S1) having a first voltage (Vds1) between them; the control terminal (G1) and the second terminal (S1) having a second voltage (Vgs1) between them, which controls the first voltage (Vds1); a voltage limiting circuit (1281) having a first terminal (1361); and a feedback connection (CR1) between the first terminal (1361) of the voltage limiting circuit (1281) and the control terminal (G1) of the switch (1041). The voltage limiting circuit (1281) is designed, in active mode, to provide feedback from the first voltage (Vds1) to the second voltage (Vgs1) so as to limit the first voltage (Vds1). The voltage limiting circuit (1281) is further designed to, in its active mode, supply a current (i1) through its first terminal (1361).The switch system further includes a current blocking device (1221) designed to prevent the current (i1) supplied by the voltage limiting circuit (1281) from flowing through the feedback connection (CR1) to the control terminal (G1) of the switch (1041).