Voltage Detection Circuit Bypassing Energy Storage Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with large energy storage capacitors experience a long delay in detecting a drop in supply voltage, leading to unwanted or dangerous states due to the buffering effect, which delays internal device reactions.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement with a voltage input, integrator, signal processor, and signal output that bypasses the energy storage device to quickly detect a drop in supply voltage, allowing for rapid reaction and actuation, such as switching off a relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large energy storage capacitor is used to ensure continuous operation during voltage dips, then device operation reliability is improved, but the detection delay of supply voltage drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage detection function into two separate paths: one path through the energy storage capacitor for ensuring continuous operation, and another path bypassing the capacitor for rapid voltage drop detection. This segmentation allows each path to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between reliability and detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit (the parallel detection path with comparator) that mediates between the energy storage capacitor and the control unit. This intermediary provides the control unit with immediate voltage status information without being affected by the capacitor's charging/discharging characteristics, thus enabling fast detection while maintaining operational continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy store capacity is increased to maintain operation at lowest permitted supply voltage, then device adaptability is improved, but the discharge time to threshold level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage monitoring function into two independent channels: one that monitors the actual buffered voltage for operational continuity, and another that monitors the raw supply voltage for rapid threshold detection. This allows the energy store to be sized for adaptability without compromising detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copied voltage signal path that parallels the energy storage path. The comparator receives a copy of the supply voltage information through the integrator, allowing it to detect threshold crossings independently of the energy store's discharge characteristics, thus enabling fast response while maintaining voltage range adaptability.
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
This solution significantly reduces the delay in detecting a supply voltage drop, enabling the device to react swiftly and preventing potential hazards by using a parallel conduction path that bypasses the energy storage buffer, thus ensuring timely shutdown responses.
Implementation Method 1
an integrator which is suitable for generating an integrated voltage from the voltage present at the voltage input by integration
Implementation Method 2
a device-internal energy store that is dimensioned so large that the voltage supply of the device can be bridged in the event of a temporary drop in the supply voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement and a method for detecting whether a supply voltage (U0) applied to input contacts (2, 3) of a device (1) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, wherein the supply voltage (U0) charges an internal energy storage device (C1) on a first conductor path (P1) and forms an input signal of a control unit (CU) of the device (1), buffered by said energy storage device (C1), which controls an actuator (A) of the device (1) depending on the level of this input signal. Based on the supply voltage (U0) applied to the input contacts (2, 3) of the device (1), an output signal (S) is generated on a second conductor path (P2) running parallel to the first conductor path (P1), bypassing the energy storage device (C1), which indicates whether the supply voltage (U0) applied to the input contacts (2, 3) exceeds a predetermined threshold value or not.The output signal (S) is fed to the control unit (CU), which controls the actuator (A) depending on the output signal (S).