Solid-State Load Protection with Virtual Diode Polarity Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid State Circuit Breakers (SSCBs) do not protect electrical devices against polarity reversals and other phenomena that can damage the devices, and the use of real diodes adds unnecessary energy loss.
Innovation Solution
An electronic protection device incorporating a 'virtual' diode function within the SSCB, using transistors to manage current and voltage thresholds, eliminating the need for separate diodes and reducing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a real diode is added to protect against polarity reversals, then protection capability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit breaker and diode protection functions into a single integrated device. The transistor arrangement can operate in different states to provide both overcurrent protection and polarity reversal protection, eliminating the need for separate real diode components and reducing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The transistor arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a circuit breaker for overcurrent protection and simultaneously provides diode-like protection against polarity reversals. By controlling the transistor into different off states (first off state for polarity protection, second off state for overcurrent protection), a single component achieves what previously required multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If separate diode and circuit breaker components are used, then protection functions are complete, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker and diode protection functions into a single integrated device. The transistor arrangement can operate in different states to provide both overcurrent protection and polarity reversal protection, eliminating the need for separate real diode components and reducing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The transistor arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a circuit breaker for overcurrent protection and simultaneously provides diode-like protection against polarity reversals. By controlling the transistor into different off states (first off state for polarity protection, second off state for overcurrent protection), a single component achieves what previously required multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic protection device for a load includes an arrangement of transistors in series with the load, that can be controlled into a state out of on and off states, an off state being from among first and second off states. The electronic protection device further includes: a current sensor; a control module connected to the current sensor and controlling the arrangement of transistors into its second off state if an intensity measured by the current sensor is above a first threshold; and a voltage sensor connected to the control module. The control module controls the arrangement of transistors into its on state if the voltage is above a voltage threshold and into its first off state if the intensity is below a second threshold.