Three-Terminal Capacitor Through Electrode Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses require additional components and space for current detection, which increases size and cost, as they rely on detection resistors and additional components for load current detection.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus using a three-terminal capacitor with a through electrode on the power feed line to detect load power supply current, eliminating the need for separate resistance elements and allowing the capacitor to function as both a filter and detection resistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection resistors are provided for current detection, then current detection accuracy is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor's through electrode with the current detection function. The through electrode serves dual purposes: maintaining capacitor electrical characteristics and enabling load current detection, thereby eliminating the need for separate detection resistors and reducing apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The through electrode of the capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains the capacitor's electrical characteristics while simultaneously serving as a current detection element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection resistors and reduces the overall apparatus size.
2Reliability
If additional components are provided for current detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitor structure with the current detection function by utilizing the through electrode for both purposes. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining detection reliability, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The through electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - maintaining capacitor electrical characteristics and enabling reliable current detection. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while preserving detection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection resistors are mounted on the apparatus, then current detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor's through electrode with the current detection function, eliminating the need for separate detection resistors. This integration reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining current detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The through electrode performs multiple functions including maintaining capacitor electrical characteristics and enabling current detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components that need to be sourced and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
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 simplifies current detection, reduces the apparatus size, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for additional components, while ensuring stable and reliable direct current power supply.
Implementation Method 1
the current detector detects the load power supply current from a voltage between both ends of the through electrode
Data Source
AI summary
In a power supply apparatus that supplies direct current power to a load with a power supply unit, since a load power supply current is detected by a current detector from a voltage between both ends of a through electrode of a three-terminal capacitor provided on a power feed line extending from a power supply unit to a load, the three-terminal capacitor serving as a filter to reduce ripple noise can be used also as a detection resistor for detecting the load power supply current. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the load power supply current with a simple configuration that does not require a resistance element to detect the load power supply current, unlike in the related art. Consequently, it is not necessary to ensure an area where the resistance element for current detection can be mounted to reduce a power supply apparatus in size.