Measurement circuit and operation method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection circuits for power tools fail to accurately monitor temperature due to variable resistance values of thermistors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and inability to determine floating states of circuit pins, necessitating improved calibration and expanded temperature monitoring ranges.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit incorporating transistors and capacitors to control the connection of resistors and thermistors, allowing for voltage calibration, floating state detection, and expanded temperature monitoring through selective switching of elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a thermistor is used as a temperature sensor in a voltage divider circuit, then temperature detection is enabled, but the variable resistance value causes the divided voltage to be non-constant, preventing voltage calibration and floating state detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidvoltage calibration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable through switching elements. The circuit can dynamically switch between different connection states: one state connects the thermistor in the voltage divider for temperature detection, while another state connects a fixed reference resistor for voltage calibration. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same circuit to perform multiple functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between temperature detection and voltage calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the measurement function by separating temperature detection and voltage calibration into distinct operational modes. Instead of attempting to perform both functions simultaneously with a single fixed circuit configuration, the circuit is divided into different functional states that are activated sequentially through control signals, allowing each function to be performed with the appropriate circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a fixed voltage divider circuit is used for temperature monitoring, then the circuit structure is simple, but the monitoring range is limited to a small temperature range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure simplicityVSAvoidtemperature monitoring range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the temperature monitoring range by dynamically switching between different resistor configurations. At different temperature ranges, different resistors are connected to the voltage divider circuit through switching elements. This allows the circuit to maintain accurate measurements across a wide temperature range while keeping the overall circuit structure relatively simple, as the same basic voltage divider topology is reused with different resistor selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the voltage divider circuit universal by enabling it to handle multiple temperature ranges and perform multiple functions (temperature detection, voltage calibration, floating state detection) using the same basic circuit structure. The switching elements allow the circuit to adapt its configuration based on the required function or temperature range, increasing versatility without requiring completely separate circuits for each function.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple resistors and switching elements are added to enable voltage calibration and expanded temperature monitoring, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcircuit element quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces circuit complexity by designing a multi-functional voltage divider circuit that performs temperature detection, voltage calibration, and floating state detection using a single unified structure. The same voltage divider core circuit is used for all functions, with switching elements that route different resistors to the same measurement node. This universal approach avoids the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions (temperature detection, voltage calibration, floating state detection) into a single integrated circuit module. By combining these functions that share common circuit elements and using the same voltage divider infrastructure for multiple purposes, the patent reduces the total number of independent circuit blocks required, thereby limiting complexity growth despite the added versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables accurate voltage calibration, floating state detection, and expanded temperature monitoring, ensuring reliable operation of power tools by addressing limitations in existing circuits.

Implementation Method 1

The resistor RT1 is a thermistor and may be used as a temperature sensor. RT1 may be used to detect the temperature of the power devices. Since the resistance value of RT1 changes with the temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP4583407A1Measurement circuit and operation method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP4583407A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4583407A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4583407A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a detection circuit and an operation method thereof. The detection circuit comprises: a voltage source (V1); a ground (G1); a first resistor (R1) whose first end is connected to the voltage source (V1); a thermistor (RT1) whose first end is connected to a second end of the first resistor (R1); a second resistor (R2) whose first end is connected to a connection point between the thermistor (RT1) and the first resistor (R1); a first switching element (Q1) connected between a second end of the second resistor (R2) and the ground (G1); and a second switching element (Q2) connected between a second end of the thermistor (RT1) and the ground (G1).