Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: A DEVICE FOR PROTECTION FROM BILATERAL REVERSE CURRENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to control systems. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to a control system, for high-precision electronic systems. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to: a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, and a method of operation thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today, we live in a technological era, where high-precision electronic systems (for example, automated guided vehicles, robotics, and/or the like) play a vital role, in all fields. For flawless operations of such systems, they require precision and accuracy.
However, electromotive forces (EMF or emf) may affect their performance significantly. Particularly, reverse electromotive forces, generated in automated guided vehicles, autonomous robotics, and/or the like, with an at least an actuating member (for example, an electric motor) and an at least a respective driving member (for example, a motor driver), result in control loss, thereby, leading to failure and even accidents.
The generation of such reverse electromotive forces, from inductive loads, results in malfunctions, and even causes permanent damages to control units. Use of damaged control systems may lead to fatal accidents.
One common approach to address the reverse emf issue is to incorporate a flyback unidirectional switching member, either in series, or shunt with terminals. Said unidirectional switching member is configured to allow flow of current, in a forward direction, while limiting or preventing backward flow.
It should be noted, however, that the above configuration, with a unidirectional switching member, is optimised, for either unidirectional or forward-biased operation, and is not suitable, for applications, which require bidirectional polarity changes.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, is disclosed. Said device broadly comprises: a plurality of one-way power blocking members.
A first end of each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way blocking members, is communicatively associated with a driving member of a high-precision electronic system.
A second end of each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way power blocking members, is communicatively associated with an actuating member of said high-precision electronic system.
Each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way power blocking members, broadly comprises: an at least a current flow controlling member; and an at least a unidirectional switching member. Said at least one current flow controlling member and said at least one unidirectional switching member are configured parallel to each other, to form a plurality of nodes.
In an embodiment, said at least one current flow controlling member is a bipolar junction transistor. For example, said at least one current flow controlling member is a NPN transistor.
In an embodiment, said at least one unidirectional switching member is a power diode.
Said at least one current flow controlling member broadly comprises: a forward biased member; a reverse biased member; and an activating member.
One node, among said plurality of nodes, is formed, by connecting a positive terminal of said at least one unidirectional switching member, with said forward biased member. Another node, among said plurality of nodes, is formed, by connecting a negative terminal of said at least one unidirectional switching member, with said reverse biased member.
Said activating member is communicatively associated with a controller of said high-precision electronic system.
In an embodiment, said device comprises two one-way power blocking members.
Method of working of said device is also disclosed.
Said device offers at least the following advantages: is efficient; is cost-effective; is easy to implement; and is easily retrofittable, on (or onto) existing high-precision electronic systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a one-way power blocking member, of a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate a method of operation, of a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a prototype circuit diagram, of a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a prototype, of a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates rate of change of voltage and rate of change of current, upon implementing a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates active voltage drop, upon implementing a device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “comprise” and “include”, and variations, such as “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including”, may imply the inclusion of an element (or elements) not specifically recited. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied, in various other forms, as well.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “device” is to be construed as: “a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together, as part of a mechanism, to achieve a desired technical result”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively), is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be, irrespective of the directions of arrows, in the drawings.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one”, as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used, in Patent Specifications, to denote any component of a disclosure, which may be present (or disposed) in a single quantity, or more than a single quantity.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “high-precision electronic systems”, and its variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “automated guided vehicles; autonomous robotics; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “actuating member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “electric motor; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “driving member”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “motor driver; motor controller; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “bidirectional energy flow application”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “operating an actuating member, in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions, through alternate input triggers; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the acronyms “emf” and “EMF” is to be construed as: “Electromotive Force”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of: the lower limit of the range; and the upper limit of the range.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations, in a method, are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated, when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
A compact, portable, and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current (also referred to as “device”), is disclosed. Said device is disposed between an actuating member and its driving member, in a high-precision electronic system (for example, an automated guided vehicle, a robotic system; and/or the like). The disclosed device acts as a transitional channel, to protect the high-precision electronic system, through controlled energy flow, during bidirectional energy flow applications.
As illustrated, in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, said device broadly comprises a plurality of one-way power blocking members (11). A first end of each one-way power blocking member, among the plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), is communicatively associated with a driving member (12; for example, a motor driver) of the high-precision electronic system.
A second end of each one-way power blocking member, among the plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), is communicatively associated with an actuating member (13; for example, an electric motor) of the high-precision electronic system.
As illustrated, in Figure 2, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, each one-way power blocking member, among the plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), broadly comprises: an at least a current flow controlling member (Q); and an at least a unidirectional switching member (D). Said at least one current flow controlling member (Q) and said at least one unidirectional switching member (D) are configured parallel to each other, to form a plurality of nodes (J1 and J2).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one current flow controlling member (Q) is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). For example, the at least one current flow controlling member (Q) is a NPN transistor.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one unidirectional switching member (D) is a power diode. For example, the at least one unidirectional switching member (D) is a Schottky diode.
The at least one current flow controlling member (Q) broadly comprises: a forward biased member (2, for example, an emitter); a reverse biased member (3; for example, a collector); and an activating member (4; for example, a base). One node (J1), among the plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), is formed, by connecting a positive terminal of the at least one unidirectional switching member (D), with the forward biased member (2).
Another node (J2), among the plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), is formed, by connecting a negative terminal of the at least one unidirectional switching member (D), with the reverse biased member (3).
The activating member (4) is communicatively associated with a controller of the high-precision electronic system.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, said device comprises two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b; as illustrated, in Figure 3a and Figure 3b).
Said one node (J1), among the plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), of a first one-way power blocking member (11a), among the two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b), and a second one-way power blocking member (11b), among the two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b), is communicatively associated with a first terminal and a second terminal, of the driving member (12), respectively.
Similarly, said another node (J2), among the plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), of the first one-way power blocking member (11a), among the two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b), and the second one-way power blocking member (11b), among the two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b), is communicatively associated with a first terminal and a second terminal, of the actuating member (13), respectively.
Method of functioning of the device, as illustrated, in Figure 3a and Figure 3b, shall now be explained.
During operation of the actuating member (13), in a clockwise direction, energy (i.e. current) tends to flow, from the driving member (12) to the actuating member (13), through the first one-way power blocking member (11a). Here, the at least one unidirectional switching member (D) allows the energy to flow, from said one node (J1) to said another node (J2), of the first one-way power blocking member (11a). Subsequently, the energy flows back, to the driving member (12), through the second one-way power blocking member (11b).
Since the activating member (4), in the second one-way power blocking member (11b), is energised, by the controller of the high-precision electronic system, the energy is allowed to flow, from said another node (J2) to said one node (J1), of the second one-way power blocking member (11b), through the at least one current flow controlling member (Q). Flow of induced reverse emf (that is generated, by the actuating member (13)) is blocked, by the at least one current flow controlling member (Q), of the first one-way power blocking member (11a).
Similarly, during operation of the actuating member (13), in an anticlockwise direction, the energy tends to flow, from the driving member (12) to the actuating member (13), through the second one-way power blocking member (11b). Here, the at least one unidirectional switching member (D) allows the energy to flow, from said one node (J1) to said another node (J2), of the second one-way power blocking member (11b). Subsequently, the energy flows back, to the driving member (12), through the first one-way power blocking member (11a).
Since the activating member (4), in the first one-way power blocking member (11a), is energised, by the controller of the high-precision electronic system, the energy is allowed to flow, from said another node (J2) to said one node (J1), of the first one-way power blocking member (11a), through the at least one current flow controlling member (Q). Flow of induced reverse emf (that is generated, by the actuating member (13)) is blocked, by the at least one current flow controlling member (Q), of the second one-way power blocking member (11b).
In both operating conditions (i.e. clockwise and anticlockwise) of the actuating member (13), the flow of induced reverse emf is restricted, by the respective current flow controlling member (Q), of the respective power blocking member, based on an energising signal (S) that is sent, to the respective activating member (4), by the controller of the high-precision electronic system.
A prototype of the device (also referred to as “prototype”), for a DC driving member (for example, a L298N), which controls a couple of DC actuating members simultaneously, is illustrated, in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
Said prototype comprises: a couple of DC driving members (MA_IN and MB_IN); four one-way power blocking members (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d); four DC actuating members (MA1_OUT, MA2_OUT, MB1_OUT, and MB2_OUT); two pairs of indicating members (A and B; for example, LEDs); and six current flow limiting members (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6; for example, resistors).
One DC driving member (MA_IN), among the couple of DC driving members (MA_IN and MB_IN), is configured to control a pair of DC actuating members (MA1_OUT and MA2_OUT), among the four DC actuating members (MA1_OUT, MA2_OUT, MB1_OUT, and MB2_OUT).
Another DC driving member (MB_IN), among the couple of DC driving members (MA_IN and MB_IN), is configured to control another pair of DC actuating members (MB1_OUT and MB2_OUT), among the four DC actuating members (MA1_OUT, MA2_OUT, MB1_OUT, and MB2_OUT).
One DC actuating member (MA1_OUT), among the pair of DC actuating members (MA1_OUT and MA2_OUT), is configured parallel to another DC actuating member (MA2_OUT), among the pair of DC actuating members (MA1_OUT and MA2_OUT).
Similarly, one DC actuating member (MB1_OUT), among said another pair of DC actuating members (MB1_OUT and MB2_OUT), is configured parallel to another DC actuating member (MB2_OUT), among said another pair of DC actuating members (MB1_OUT and MB2_OUT).
The indicating members, in a first pair of indicating members (A), among the two pairs of indicating members (A and B), are configured to be parallel to each other, and are disposed, through a respective current flow limiting member (R6).
Likewise, the indicating members, in a second pair of indicating members (B), among the two pairs of indicating members (A and B), are configured to be parallel to each other, and are disposed, through another respective current flow limiting member (R5).
Said two pairs of indicating members (A and B) facilitate indicating direction of flow of the energy (or direction of operation, of the actuating member (4)), to a user.
The activating member (4), in each one-way power blocking member (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d), is communicatively associated with the controller of the high-precision electronic system (IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4), through the respective current flow limiting members (R1, R2, R3, and R4).
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that more DC actuating members can be assigned to the DC driving members (MA_IN and/or MB_IN), as per requirements. In that case, said DC actuating members (OUT A and/or OUT B) are to be configured parallel to the existing DC actuating members (MA1_OUT and MA2_OUT, and/or MB1_OUT and MB2_OUT).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the current flow controlling member (Q) and the unidirectional switching member (D), in each one-way power blocking member (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d), of the prototype, are a NPN transistor (PBSS302NX) and a power diode (10MQ040N), respectively.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, four current flow limiting members (R1, R2, R3, R4), among the six current flow limiting members (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6), are an about 280 ohms R0603 SMD type resistors. Two current flow limiting members (R5 and R6), among the six current flow limiting members (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6), are an about 1.8 kilo ohms R0603 SMD type resistors.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, each pair of indicating members, among the two pairs of indicating members (A and B), contains a red LED and a blue LED.
The disclosed device was subjected to real-time testing, for performance evaluation, wherein voltage and current characteristics were observed. Results are as follows:
Rate of change of voltage and rate of change of current are illustrated, in Figure 6. Current consumed, by the load (i.e. the actuating member) was determined to increase gradually, upon voltage increase, from about 5 Volts to about 15 Volts.
Similarly, active voltage drop is illustrated, in Figure 7. The voltage drop was calculated, between input and output terminal voltages. The device was determined to have a constant voltage drop of about 0.3 Volts, throughout a voltage range of between about 1 Volt and about 30 Volts. Hence, the disclosed device was determined to operate, at an efficiency of about 98%.
During testing of the prototype, the generated reverse emf was observed to be about 6 Volts, at normal conditions, and about 48 Volts, at peak load conditions, across the output terminals of the DC actuating member (MA1_OUT).
At the terminals of the respective DC driving member (MA_IN) the voltages observed ranged between about 0.1 Volts and about 0.16 Volts, at various load conditions. Hence, the reverse emf generated, was determined to be effectively restricted, by the disclosed device.
The reverse current protection abilities were also verified, by applying opposing forces, to motor-connected wheels. Both the driver member and the controller were determined to be successfully protected, from the generated reverse currents, in real-time.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the apparatus and its various components may be made of any suitable materials known in the art. Likewise, a person skilled in the art will also appreciate the fact that the configuration of the apparatus and its various components may be varied, based on requirements.
The disclosed device offers at least the following advantages: is efficient; is cost-effective; is easy to implement; and is easily retrofittable, on (or onto) existing high-precision electronic systems. Approximate cost of the prototype ranges between about Rs. 120 and about Rs. 140.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, may be made, by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
11 - Plurality of One-Way Power Blocking Members
11a and 11b - Two One-Way Power Blocking Members
11a - First One-Way Power Blocking Member
11b - Second One-Way Power Blocking Member
11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d - Four One-Way Power Blocking Members
12 - Driving Member
MA_IN and MB_IN - Couple of DC Driving Members
MA_IN - One DC Driving Member
MB_IN - Another DC Driving Member
13 - Actuating Member
MA1_OUT, MA2_OUT, MB1_OUT, and MB2_OUT - Four DC Actuating Members
MA1_OUT and MA2_OUT - Pair of DC Actuating Members
MB1_OUT and MB2_OUT - Another Pair of DC Actuating Members
D - At least One Unidirectional Switching Member
Q - At Least One Current Flow Controlling Member
J1 and J2 - Plurality of Nodes
J1 - One Node
J2 - Another Node
2 - Forward Biased Member
3 - Reverse Biased Member
4 - Activating Member
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 - Six Current Flow Limiting Members
A and B - Two Pairs of Indicating Members
A - First Pair of Indicating Members
B - Second Pair of Indicating Members , Claims:1. A portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, comprising:
a plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), with each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), comprising:
an at least a current flow controlling member (Q) that comprises: a forward biased member (2); a reverse biased member (3); and an activating member (4), with said activating member (4) being communicatively associated with a controller of a high-precision electronic system; and
an at least a unidirectional switching member (D), with:
said at least one current flow controlling member (Q) and said at least one unidirectional switching member (D) being configured parallel to each other, to form a plurality of nodes (J1 and J2);
one node (J1), among said plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), being formed, by connecting a positive terminal of said at least one unidirectional switching member (D), with said forward biased member (2); and
another node (J2), among said plurality of nodes (J1 and J2), being formed, by connecting a negative terminal of said at least one unidirectional switching member (D), with said reverse biased member (3);
with: a first end of each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way blocking members (11), being communicatively associated with a driving member (12) of said high-precision electronic system; and
a second end of each one-way power blocking member, among said plurality of one-way power blocking members (11), being communicatively associated with an actuating member (13) of said high-precision electronic system.
2. The portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said device comprises two one-way power blocking members (11a and 11b).
3. The portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one current flow controlling member (Q) is a bipolar junction transistor.
4. The portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein: said at least one current flow controlling member (Q) is a NPN transistor.
5. The portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one unidirectional switching member (D) is a power diode.
6. The portable and retrofittable device, for protection of high-precision electronic systems, from bilateral reverse current, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein: said at least one unidirectional switching member (D) is a Schottky diode.