Valve Driving Circuit With Integrated Boost Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems using driving circuits for irrigation valves are inefficient and costly, often requiring multiple 9 V batteries and separate boost converter circuits, leading to high component counts and power loss.
Innovation Solution
A driving circuit design that integrates a boost converter architecture into the existing valve driving circuit, utilizing existing components like the valve coil and diode, and adds minimal additional components, such as MOSFET switches, to achieve voltage boosting with reduced components and power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a separate boost converter circuit is added to the driving circuit, then the voltage can be boosted to drive the electrical load, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boost converter functionality with the existing driving circuit by integrating the third high-side switch into the same circuit structure. The valve coil serves dual purposes as both the electrical load and the inductor for the boost converter, eliminating the need for separate inductor components and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining voltage boosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve coil is utilized as a multi-functional component serving both as the electrical load (solenoid) and as the inductor for the boost converter circuit. This universal usage of the valve coil eliminates the need for additional inductor components, reducing component count and simplifying the overall circuit design while achieving voltage boosting.
2Power
If multiple 9 V batteries are used to provide sufficient power, then the electrical load can be driven, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by implementing a boost converter that steps up the voltage from lower-voltage AA batteries (1.5V each, 3V total) to the higher voltage required by the electrical load. This parameter transformation allows the use of lighter, lower-voltage batteries instead of multiple heavy 9V batteries, reducing overall system weight while maintaining adequate power delivery through voltage multiplication.
3Power
If multiple 9 V batteries are used to provide sufficient power, then the electrical load can be driven, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the power supply approach by using voltage boosting to convert multiple inexpensive 1.5V AA batteries into a higher voltage source capable of driving the electrical load. This parameter transformation allows substitution of expensive 9V batteries with cheaper AA batteries, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate power delivery through the integrated boost converter.
4Device complexity
If conventional driving circuits are used without boost converter integration, then the circuit is simpler, but power loss increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated boost converter enables continuous and efficient power transfer from the batteries to the electrical load by maintaining optimal voltage levels throughout operation. This continuous efficient power delivery reduces energy losses compared to conventional circuits that may experience voltage drops and inefficiencies, thereby extending battery life while keeping the circuit relatively simple through component integration.
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
Reduces component count, cost, and power loss while enabling efficient operation with common 3 V AA batteries, allowing precise irrigation control with extended battery life and reduced heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a boost circuit configured to boost the voltage provided by the power source to a higher voltage for driving the electrical load
Implementation Method 2
A capacitor configured to connect the high potential terminal and the negative terminal of the power source. The capacitor is configured to provide the higher voltage to the electrical load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A driving circuit (200) for driving an electrical load (202) includes a first high-side transistor (210) and a second high-side transistor (212), and a first low-side transistor (216) and a second low-side transistor (218). A free-wheeling diode (220) provides a path for current from the electrical load (202). A controller (102) controls the operation of the transistors. A boost circuit is provided to boost the voltage provided by a power source (208) to a higher voltage for driving the electrical load (202). The driving circuit (200) is characterized in that the boost circuit includes a third high-side transistor (224), and a capacitor (226) configured to provide the higher voltage to the electrical load (202). An inductance of the boost circuit is provided by a coil of the electrical load (202). A diode of the boost circuit is provided by the free-wheeling diode (220). A transistor of the boost circuit is provided by the second low-side transistor (218). The controller (102) is further configured to control the operation of the third high-side transistor (224).