Switching Power Supply Startup Control via Low-Capacity Voltage Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supply systems with switching power supplies can malfunction due to lack of power to the control circuit during startup, leading to potential control circuit malfunctions when the low-capacity power supply is abnormal or disconnected.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system comprising a switching power supply, a low-capacity power supply, a detecting circuit to monitor the output voltage, and a permission circuit that allows the switching power supply to start only when the detected output voltage meets a predetermined value, ensuring safe startup and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the switching power supply starts up without power from the low-capacity power supply, then the switching power supply can operate, but control circuit malfunction may occur due to lack of power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup speedVSAvoidcontrol circuit reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The permission circuit performs preliminary verification by detecting the output voltage of the low-capacity power supply before allowing the switching power supply to start up. This preliminary action ensures that the control circuit has adequate power supply before the switching power supply begins operation, preventing control circuit malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The permission circuit acts as an intermediary between the low-capacity power supply and the switching power supply. It mediates the startup process by monitoring the output voltage and only permitting the switching power supply to start when the low-capacity power supply is functioning properly, thus protecting the control circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the low-capacity power supply is abnormal or disconnected, then power supply capacity is reduced, but system safety decreases due to potential malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply configurationVSAvoidsystem safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting circuit continuously monitors the output voltage of the low-capacity power supply and provides feedback to the permission circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect abnormalities in the low-capacity power supply and prevent startup under abnormal conditions, thereby maintaining system safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The permission circuit provides beforehand protection by verifying the output voltage of the low-capacity power supply before the switching power supply starts up. This prior cushioning prevents control circuit malfunction by ensuring adequate power supply is available before operation begins.

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

3Speed

If the switching power supply starts up immediately, then response time is improved, but voltage abnormalities may cause malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup response timeVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The permission circuit performs preliminary voltage detection before allowing the switching power supply to start up. This preliminary action adds minimal delay while ensuring that voltage abnormalities are detected and prevented, thereby maintaining operation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The permission circuit serves as an intermediary that mediates between the immediate startup requirement and the need for voltage verification. It enables quick startup by only introducing a brief detection delay while preventing malfunction through voltage verification.

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

This configuration ensures safe and reliable startup of the switching power supply by prioritizing power from the low-capacity supply, reducing malfunctions and enhancing overall system safety by preventing improper startup due to voltage abnormalities.

Implementation Method 1

a switching power supply configured to rectify and smooth an AC voltage of an AC power supply to generate a DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8988701B2Power supply system and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US8988701B2 patent drawing
  • US8988701B2 patent drawing
  • US8988701B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system includes a switching power supply configured to rectify and smooth an AC voltage of an AC power to generate a DC voltage, a controller configured to control the switching power supply to start or stop operating, and a low-capacity power supply comprising a power supply capacity smaller than that of the switching power supply. The low-capacity power supply is configured to supply power to the controller. The power supply system can further include a detecting circuit configured to detect an output voltage of the low-capacity power supply, and a permission circuit configured to permit a startup of the switching power supply when the output voltage detected by the detecting circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.