TVS Diode Solenoid Driver for Rapid Current Decay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical systems with solenoids face challenges in quickly dissipating energy during shutdown due to high inductance, which hinders fast clamping and release operations, particularly in applications requiring rapid mechanical actuation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode within the control circuit to maintain a significant voltage drop in series with the solenoid, combined with two switches and a freewheeling diode, to accelerate current decay by increasing power dissipation, allowing for rapid shutdown of the solenoid current from 20 milliseconds to less than 1 millisecond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a solenoid with high inductance is used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, then the solenoid can provide strong force, but the current cannot be changed quickly due to the inductance resisting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy stored in the solenoid's magnetic field by introducing a separate energy dissipation path through the TVS diode. This allows the magnetic energy to be rapidly converted to heat and dissipated, independent of the normal current flow path, thereby enabling fast current decay while preserving the solenoid's force-generating capability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) across the solenoid by introducing the TVS diode that creates a large voltage drop during shutdown. This parameter change forces rapid energy dissipation and current decay, transforming the shutdown process from a slow inductive decay to a rapid energy dissipation event
2Duration of action of moving object
If the current in the solenoid is reduced quickly by opening switches, then the solenoid can release fast, but the stored energy cannot be dissipated rapidly enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of stored magnetic energy (which resists shutdown) into a beneficial effect by providing a controlled path for rapid energy dissipation. The TVS diode safely channels the inductive energy surge into a controlled voltage spike that rapidly dissipates energy as heat, turning the inductance's resistance to change into a controlled energy release mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The TVS diode acts as an intermediary element between the solenoid and the power supply/ground. During normal operation, it remains inactive; during shutdown, it activates to provide an intermediate energy dissipation path, mediating the transition from high current to zero current by converting magnetic energy to thermal energy through its voltage drop
3Speed
If a TVS diode is added to accelerate current decay, then the shutdown speed improves, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TVS diode serves multiple functions: it protects against voltage spikes during normal operation, provides the primary energy dissipation path during shutdown, and enables rapid current decay. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single element
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 faster shutdown of solenoid current, enhancing the speed and efficiency of energy dissipation, thereby improving the rapid clamping and release capabilities of electromechanical systems, particularly in safety-critical applications like gun automation and automotive systems.
Implementation Method 1
A rapid decay of the first current is sought. To accelerate such decay, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode element 109 has been wired within the electromechanical system controls. It is used to maintain a significant voltage drop in a circuit path electrically in series with the circuit path already feeding solenoid 106. The inclusion of two switches 103 and 108 with freewheeling diode 104 keeps the supply potential between 101 and 111 also in series with solenoid 106. Requiring the current to flow across both voltage drops rapidly accelerates the decay of current by increased power dissipation (power being the product of voltage and current).
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive driver circuit with improved speed of clamping down a powered solenoid element, which solenoid exhibits inductive properties, for purposes of rapid shut down of the solenoid.