Wireless Power Receiver Switch Failure Detection Without Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power supply systems face challenges in detecting semiconductor switch failures without stopping the power transmitting device, leading to potential system downtime when multiple power receiving devices are connected.
Innovation Solution
A power receiving device with semiconductor switches that can be selectively turned ON or OFF, a filter unit for smoothing DC power, a voltage detection unit to monitor output voltage, and a failure determination unit to identify failure modes based on voltage readings, allowing for continuous operation of the power transmitting device during failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power transmitting device is stopped to determine semiconductor switch failure, then the reliability of failure detection is improved, but the productivity of the wireless power supply system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting semiconductor switch failures before they cause complete system malfunction. The control device monitors voltage across each switch during normal operation and identifies abnormalities early, allowing for preventive maintenance without stopping the power transmitting device. This resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through early detection while maintaining productivity through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that detects switch failures without interrupting the main power transmission function. The control device acts as an intermediary by continuously measuring voltage across semiconductor switches and analyzing their operational state, enabling failure detection to occur parallel to normal power supply operations. This resolves the contradiction by separating the detection function from the power transmission function.
2Measurement precision
If the power transmitting device is stopped for failure determination, then the measurement precision of switch status is improved, but the loss of time for system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining both power transmission and failure detection operations simultaneously. The control device continues to monitor voltage across semiconductor switches while the power transmitting device operates normally, eliminating the need to stop the system for detection. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous measurement of switch status without interrupting the useful action of power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting and reporting semiconductor switch failures without requiring external intervention or system shutdown. The control device independently analyzes voltage measurements and identifies abnormal switch behavior, enabling the system to monitor its own health status continuously. This resolves the contradiction by making the detection process autonomous and time-independent.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power receiving devices are connected to one power transmitting device, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the reliability of individual device failure detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring function into device-specific monitoring channels. The control device independently monitors voltage across semiconductor switches in each power receiving device separately, even when multiple devices are connected to one power transmitting device. This segmentation ensures that failure detection for one device does not interfere with others, resolving the contradiction by maintaining both high adaptability and individual device detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements universality by designing a monitoring system that can handle multiple power receiving devices simultaneously through a unified control architecture. The same voltage measurement and analysis methodology is applied universally to all connected devices, enabling the system to scale from one to many devices without compromising individual detection capability. This resolves the contradiction by creating a multi-functional monitoring system that serves all devices equally and independently.
Data Source
AI summary
The power receiving device of the present disclosure includes a power receiving unit to receive the AC power, a rectifier in which a circuit to rectify the AC power into DC power is provided, a plurality of semiconductor switches that are to be in one of an ON state and an OFF state and are provided in a part of the circuit, and an output terminal of the power receiving unit is configured to be brought into an open state by selecting the ON state or the OFF state of the plurality of semiconductor switches, a filter to smooth the DC power rectified by the rectifier, a voltage detector to detect an output voltage of the filter, and a failure determinator to determine at least one of a failure location and a failure mode of the rectifier.