Symmetrical Power Bus Circuit Using Single Supply Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuits for generating symmetrical power buses require a central socket and feedback on the negative bus, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity, as they typically use two distinct power sources connected in series and require independent control of switches at opposite polarities.

Innovation Solution

A circuit that generates two symmetrical buses with respect to the negative of the feeding tension using a single supply voltage, eliminating the need for a central socket and feedback on the negative bus, by incorporating a condenser and diode in series with an inductor and switch, allowing for independent control of the positive bus to mirror the negative bus voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two distinct power sources connected in series are used to generate symmetrical power buses, then the power buses can be generated with symmetrical voltages, but the circuit complexity increases and a central socket with feedback on the negative bus is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymmetrical power bus generationVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate power sources into a single power source that generates both symmetrical power buses. The single power source is connected to the common terminal, and through the switching circuitry controlled by the control unit, both positive and negative power buses are generated from this single source, eliminating the need for two distinct power sources and their associated central sockets and feedback circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power source performs multiple functions: it serves as the common terminal reference, generates the positive power bus when the first switch is activated, and generates the negative power bus when the second switch is activated. The control unit universally manages both switching operations to maintain symmetrical voltage levels without requiring separate feedback circuits for each bus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If independent control of switches at opposite polarities is implemented, then each power bus can provide power independently, but the control complexity and switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent power provisionVSAvoidswitching control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements feedback control to monitor the voltage levels of both power buses and adjust the switching timing and duration accordingly. This ensures that each power bus maintains symmetrical voltage levels and can provide power independently when needed, while the control unit coordinates the switching operations to minimize complexity and losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The switching circuitry dynamically adjusts the operation of switches S1 and S2 based on the power demands of the respective buses. When one bus requires power, its corresponding switch is activated for the appropriate duration, while the other switch remains inactive or operates in a different state. This dynamic control enables independent power provision without requiring both switches to be permanently active or complex interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a central socket with feedback on the negative bus is used, then the symmetrical power buses can be stabilized, but the component count and circuit costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower bus voltage stabilityVSAvoidfeedback circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves as a universal control mechanism that manages both power buses without requiring separate feedback circuits. It monitors the voltage levels and power demands of both buses and adjusts the switching operations accordingly, eliminating the need for a dedicated feedback circuit on the negative bus while maintaining symmetrical voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service control where the control unit automatically adjusts the switching timing and duration based on the instantaneous power demands and voltage levels of both buses. The feedback mechanism is integrated into the control unit itself, which uses the voltage information from both buses to make real-time switching decisions, eliminating the need for external feedback circuits and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the circuit, reduces component costs, and enables constant power absorption from a single source, achieving symmetrical high-voltage buses with reduced complexity and increased reliability.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a condenser and diode in series with an inductor and switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a condenser and diode in series with an inductor and switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1867034B1Circuit for the generation of two symmetrical buses of tension with respect to the negative of the feeding tension
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 METASYSTEM ENERGY SRL IT
  • EP1867034B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1867034B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Circuit for the generation of two symmetrical buses of tension with respect to the negative of the feeding tension, comprising supply means able to supply a power step- up circuit comprising an inductor, a switch, a diode and a condenser, an LC filter being arranged in cascade to said power step-up circuit, a pair of switches with relevant re-circulation diodes being connected in cascade to said LC filter, whose peculiar aspect is that said supply means comprise a single supply source, and a circuit branch consisting of a condenser and a diode connected in series the one to the other and in parallel to said switch and said condenser of said power step-up circuit, a further inductor with diode in series being connected between the anode end of said circuit branch diode and a condenser connected symmetrically with respect to the condenser of said power step-up circuit.