{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853572","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853572","title":"Bridge leg circuit","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-11-28T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02M","H02M","H02M"],"num_claims":26,"abstract":"A bridge leg switching a DC voltage to produce an AC voltage at its output terminal for supply to an inductive load. The bridge leg has first, second, third, and fourth switch assemblies, and at least a first inductive element. The first and second switch assemblies are serially connected between the bridge leg input terminals, the bridge leg output being formed at a point of interconnection of the first and second switch assemblies. The third and fourth switch assemblies are serially connected between the bridge leg input terminals, the inductive element being connected between a point of interconnection of the third and fourth switch assemblies and the bridge leg output. The third and fourth switch assemblies are controlled such that reverse current through either of the first or second switch assembly is reduced compared to bridge leg output current prior to the moment the bridge leg output is switched."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Bridge Leg Circuit patent presents a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of DC-to-AC power conversion by minimizing reverse current. This technology addresses the problem of energy losses and heat generation in traditional bridge leg circuits, which are commonly used in applications like solar inverters, electric vehicle drives, and industrial motor control. The key technical approach involves strategically controlling the switching of switch assemblies and incorporating inductive elements to reduce reverse current flow. This innovation offers significant business value by improving system efficiency, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the reliability of power conversion systems. The market opportunity for the Bridge Leg Circuit is substantial, given the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions in various industries. This technology has the potential to reshape the power electronics landscape and drive the adoption of more efficient and cost-effective power conversion systems.","layman_explanation":"The Bridge Leg Circuit addresses a common problem in electrical engineering: the inefficient conversion of direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Many devices, like solar inverters and electric car motors, require this conversion, but traditional methods often waste energy. This waste happens because sometimes the electrical current flows in the wrong direction, like trying to push a swing backward. This is called 'reverse current.' The Bridge Leg Circuit is designed to minimize this reverse current, making the conversion process more efficient. It achieves this by using a specific arrangement of switches and inductors (electrical components that store energy), carefully controlled to guide the current in the right direction. The result is less energy wasted, cooler components, and more reliable performance. This matters because it can lead to more efficient solar power systems, longer-lasting electric car batteries, and more reliable industrial equipment. Ultimately, this technology has the potential to save energy and reduce costs across various industries. The next step involves wider adoption of this technology in new devices and retrofitting existing systems to improve their efficiency. This could attract investment in companies developing and implementing this technology.","technical_analysis":"The Bridge Leg Circuit patent focuses on reducing reverse current in bridge leg circuits, a common problem in power electronics. The technical architecture involves four switch assemblies and at least one inductive element. The first and second switch assemblies are serially connected between the bridge leg input terminals, with the bridge leg output formed at their interconnection point. The third and fourth switch assemblies are also serially connected between the input terminals, with the inductive element connected between their interconnection point and the bridge leg output. The key implementation detail lies in the control algorithm for the third and fourth switch assemblies. These are controlled to reduce reverse current through either the first or second switch assembly compared to the bridge leg output current before switching. This requires precise timing and synchronization of the switching signals. The integration patterns would involve replacing existing bridge leg circuits with this improved design. Performance characteristics include higher efficiency, lower heat generation, and improved reliability. Code-level implications would involve developing the control algorithms for the switch assemblies, ensuring optimal performance and protection against overcurrent or overvoltage conditions.","business_analysis":"The Bridge Leg Circuit patent addresses a significant market need for more efficient power conversion systems. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient industrial equipment. The competitive advantages of the Bridge Leg Circuit include improved efficiency, reduced energy losses, and enhanced reliability compared to traditional bridge leg circuits. The revenue potential is significant, as the technology can be licensed to manufacturers of power conversion equipment. The business models could include licensing the patent to power electronics companies, developing and selling integrated circuits based on the patent, or offering consulting services to help companies implement the technology. The strategic positioning would involve targeting markets where efficiency and reliability are critical, such as solar energy, electric vehicles, and industrial automation. ROI projections would depend on the specific application and market conditions, but the improved efficiency and reduced operating costs are expected to provide a strong return on investment.","faqs":[{"answer":"The Bridge Leg Circuit is an innovative circuit design aimed at improving the efficiency of DC-to-AC power conversion. It specifically targets the reduction of reverse current, a common issue in traditional bridge leg circuits that leads to energy losses and heat generation. By minimizing this reverse current, the Bridge Leg Circuit enhances overall system performance and reliability.\n\nThis technology is particularly relevant in applications where efficient power conversion is critical, such as solar inverters, electric vehicle drives, and industrial motor control. The design incorporates a unique arrangement of switch assemblies and inductive elements to achieve its objectives. The Bridge Leg Circuit aims to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for power conversion needs.\n\nThe design of the Bridge Leg Circuit allows for precise control over the current flow within the circuit, optimizing energy transfer and reducing wasted power. This results in improved efficiency, lower operating costs, and a more reliable power conversion system. The Bridge Leg Circuit represents a significant advancement in power electronics design, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Keywords: power conversion, efficiency, reverse current, circuit design, energy solutions.","question":"What is Bridge Leg Circuit?"},{"answer":"The Bridge Leg Circuit operates by strategically controlling the switching of its components to minimize reverse current. It utilizes a combination of switch assemblies and inductive elements to manage the flow of electricity and prevent energy from being wasted. The first and second switch assemblies are ser","question":"How does Bridge Leg Circuit work?"}],"topics":["bridge leg circuit","power conversion","DC-AC conversion","reverse current","power electronics","bridge","circuit","patent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Bridge Leg Circuit - Efficient Power Conversion Patent","description":"Discover the Bridge Leg Circuit patent for efficient DC-AC power conversion. Reduces reverse current, enhances efficiency. Full analysis & claims here.","keywords":["bridge leg circuit","power conversion","DC-AC conversion","reverse current","power electronics","efficiency","patent","patent US-9853572"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853572","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853572","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Bridge leg circuit\" (US-9853572). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853572","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853572","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853572","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T05:35:07.176Z"}