Universal Voltage Converter with High-Frequency Chopper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transformers are large due to operating at 50/60 Hz AC line frequency, lack compatibility with AC and DC line operations, and face challenges in harsh environments with direct metallic contact-based power couplings, including contamination and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter with a chopper and inductive transformer unit for high-frequency operation, and an inductive power coupling system with automatic power switches and sealing capsules for safe, efficient power transfer in wet or harsh environments, eliminating continuous electrical live and stray electromagnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transformers operate at 50/60 Hz AC line frequency, then they provide stable power transformation, but they become necessarily bigger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional 50/60 Hz to high frequency range (kHz or MHz). The voltage converter uses a chopper circuit to switch the input voltage at high frequency, which is then transformed by the transformer. This parameter change allows the transformer to achieve the same power transformation capability with much smaller core and winding dimensions, directly resolving the size issue while maintaining stable transformation through controlled high-frequency switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct low-frequency magnetic transformation mechanism with a high-frequency switching mechanism. Instead of relying on the slow 50/60 Hz magnetic cycle, the system uses electronic switching (chopper) to generate high-frequency pulses that drive the transformer, enabling compact design while preserving transformation stability through electronic control.
2Reliability
If conventional transformers are designed for AC line operation, then they provide efficient AC transformation, but they lack compatibility with DC line operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal voltage converter that can handle both AC and DC input voltages. The chopper circuit is configured to work with either AC or DC input by detecting the input type and adjusting its switching accordingly. For AC input, it rectifies and chops the voltage; for DC input, it directly chops the voltage. This multi-functional design allows the same transformer to serve both AC and DC applications, achieving versatility without sacrificing transformation efficiency.
3Device complexity
If direct metallic contact-based power couplings are used, then they provide simple power connection, but they face contamination and safety concerns in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductive coupling mechanism as an intermediary between power source and load, eliminating direct metallic contact. The power is transferred through magnetic fields between primary and secondary windings. This intermediary approach maintains the simplicity of wireless/contactless connection while dramatically improving reliability in harsh environments by preventing contamination, corrosion, and safety issues associated with exposed metal contacts.
4Productivity
If inductive coupling members are continuously electrically live to enable power transfer, then they provide ready-to-transfer power capability, but they generate stray electromagnetic fields and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or on-demand activation of the inductive coupling members instead of continuous energization. The chopper circuit switches the primary winding on and off at high frequency only when power transfer is needed. This periodic action maintains the capability for rapid power transfer while minimizing stray electromagnetic fields to brief pulses rather than continuous fields, reducing safety hazards and energy waste.
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 provides a compact, efficient voltage converter compatible with AC and DC line operations, ensuring safe and reliable power transfer in harsh conditions by eliminating direct metal contact and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
chopper means for chopping a voltage derived from the input voltage at a chopper frequency to a chopped voltage
Implementation Method 2
an inductive transformer unit for transforming the chopped voltage to a chopped AC voltage
Implementation Method 3
a permanent magnet in the respective coupling member for coupling the first coupling member and second coupling member together
Implementation Method 4
a set of inductive coils for the inductive power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Voltage converter (100) for converting an input voltage (V10) to an output voltage (V20) comprising an input circuitry (102) for receiving the input voltage (V10) from a power supply (112), wherein the input circuitry includes chopper means (110) for chopping a voltage (V12) derived from the input voltage (V10) at a chopper frequency to a chopped voltage (V14), an inductive transformer unit (106) for transforming the chopped voltage (V14) to a chopped AC voltage (V16), and an output circuitry (104) for converting the chopped AC voltage (V16) of the inductive transformer unit (106) to the output voltage (V20) having a lower frequency than the chopper frequency.