Transformer Switching Frequency Control for PPE Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transformers in power supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) operate inefficiently at higher loads, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced battery life due to varying electric power requirements of integrated electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with a transformer, switches, and a controller that adjusts switching frequency based on total load current to optimize power efficiency, using a rectifier circuit to provide output DC power to external loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the transformer operates at higher loads, then the power output increases, but the power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching frequency adjustment based on load conditions. The controller monitors the operating state and dynamically changes the switching frequency to keep the transformer operating at optimal efficiency points across varying load levels, resolving the contradiction between power output and power efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter in response to varying load requirements. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system maintains high power efficiency across different operating conditions while still delivering the required power output to external loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the switching frequency is increased, then the power delivery capability improves, but the electrical wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidelectrical wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses feedback from load monitoring to intelligently adjust the switching frequency. This closed-loop control ensures that the switching frequency is optimized for each operating condition, achieving high power delivery capability while minimizing electrical wastage through data-driven decision making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the transformer is designed for high power output, then the capacity increases, but the power efficiency at varying loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidpower efficiency at varying loads
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than relying solely on static transformer design, the patent introduces dynamic control through switching frequency adjustment. This allows a high-capacity transformer to operate efficiently across a wide range of load conditions by adapting the switching frequency to match the actual power delivery requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system improves power efficiency by catering to varying power requirements without significant electrical wastage, enhancing the performance of PPE devices and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

The transformer may include at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding. The at least one secondary winding is configured to provide a transformer output power based on the transformer input power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The power supply system further includes a rectifier circuit configured to receive the transformer output power and provide an output DC power to one or more external loads electrically coupled to the power supply system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250239942A1Power supply system, article of personal protective equipment, and method of improving power efficiency of power supply system
Publication Date: 2025.07.24 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • US20250239942A1 patent drawing
  • US20250239942A1 patent drawing
  • US20250239942A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system is provided including a transformer, a plurality of switches, a rectifier circuit, and a controller. The transformer includes at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding. The plurality of switches is configured to receive an input direct current (DC) power and provide a transformer input power to the primary winding. The secondary winding is configured to provide a transformer output power based on the transformer input power. The rectifier circuit is configured to receive the transformer output power and provide an output DC power to one or more external loads. The output DC power is a product of a total load current and an output voltage. The controller is configured to determine the total load current required for the external loads and control the plurality of switches to provide a switching frequency based on the total load current required for the external loads.