Automotive Redundant Power Supply System and Control Method

Abstract

This invention provides a redundant power supply system and control method for automobiles, belonging to the field of automotive emergency power supply technology. It includes a redundant power supply module, a control module, a power switching module, and an emergency load. The redundant power supply module is installed in the sun visor of the vehicle. During normal vehicle operation, the control module continuously monitors the lithium battery charge in the redundant power supply module. When the charge is low, it controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery. The control module also collects vehicle collision signals in real time. When a collision signal is detected, the control module determines that a collision has occurred, detects the voltage of the main power supply, and determines whether the main power supply has failed. After determining that the main power supply is active, the control module controls the power switching module to disconnect the main power supply from the emergency load, and controls the redundant power supply module to supply power to the emergency load. This invention improves vehicle safety by ensuring power supply to the emergency load in the event of a collision, allowing passengers to escape safely.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive emergency power supply technology. Specifically, this invention relates to automotive redundant power supply systems and control methods. Background Technology

[0002] Modern cars are becoming increasingly electronic, with features such as power doors and sunroofs becoming mainstream. However, in the event of a serious collision, the vehicle's main power system (such as a 12V battery) is highly susceptible to failure due to broken wiring, short circuits, or damage to the battery itself. This can render critical escape routes such as power doors and sunroofs inaccessible, seriously threatening the lives of occupants.

[0003] Chinese patent CN119329455A provides a method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and program product for unlocking vehicles in the event of a collision. The method includes: detecting a collision signal in a target memory when the vehicle power supply voltage recovers from below the normal operating voltage value to the normal operating voltage value; if a collision signal is detected, sending a door unlocking command to the body control module. This invention records collision signals using a target memory, and detects the collision signal in the target memory when the vehicle power supply voltage recovers from below the normal operating voltage value. The target memory can continue to record collision signals even after power failure.

[0004] Existing technology does not take into account the problem of emergency loads failing to supply power after a car collision, which could prevent car doors and windows from opening and occupants from escaping the dangerous scene. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a redundant power supply system and control method for automobiles, so as to provide redundant power supply when the power supply fails after a car collision, thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] This invention provides a redundant power supply system for automobiles, including a redundant power supply module, a control module, a power switching module, and an emergency load. The redundant power supply module is installed in the sun visor of the automobile. The output terminal of the redundant power supply module is connected to the input terminal of the control module. The output terminal of the main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the redundant power supply module. The output terminal of the main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the control module. The output terminal of the control module is connected to the input terminal of the power switching module. The main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the emergency load through the power switching module. The redundant power supply module is connected to the input terminal of the emergency load through the power switching module.

[0008] The redundant power module includes a left sun visor energy storage module and a right sun visor energy storage module. The left sun visor energy storage module is located in the left sun visor of the vehicle, and the right sun visor energy storage module is located in the right sun visor of the vehicle.

[0009] Both the left and right sun visor energy storage modules include a lithium battery, a battery management system, and a charging management circuit. The main power supply is connected to the lithium battery through the charging management circuit, and the lithium battery is connected to the control module through the battery management system.

[0010] The control module uses a microcontroller.

[0011] The power switching module uses a relay.

[0012] The emergency loads include door locks, window regulators, and sunroof motors.

[0013] This invention provides a control method for an automotive redundant power system, comprising the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: When the vehicle is driving normally, the control module continuously monitors the power level of the lithium battery in the redundant power module, and controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery when the power is insufficient.

[0015] Step 2: The control module collects vehicle collision signals in real time;

[0016] Step 3: When the control module collects the collision signal and determines that a collision has occurred, it checks the voltage of the main power supply to determine whether the main power supply has failed.

[0017] Step 4: After determining that the main power supply is effective, the control module controls the power switching module to disconnect the main power supply from the emergency load and controls the redundant power supply module to supply power to the emergency load.

[0018] In step three, when the control module detects that the main power supply voltage is lower than the set operating threshold voltage for a set period of time, it determines that the main power supply has failed.

[0019] In step four, after the main power supply fails, the control module first controls the left sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load. When the left sun visor energy storage module fails, the control module controls the right sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load.

[0020] When the main power supply fails, the redundant power supply module can be controlled to supply power to the emergency load via a manual emergency switch set between the redundant power supply module and the emergency load.

[0021] The technical effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] (1) This invention improves the reliability of power supply to emergency loads through a dual redundancy design. The redundant power supply module adopts a dual energy storage module architecture with left and right sunshades. When a single energy storage module fails, the control module can automatically switch to the other module for power supply, avoiding the failure of the redundant power supply due to a single point of failure. At the same time, with the dual power supply paths of the main power supply and the redundant power supply, combined with the switching mechanism composed of relays, the redundant power supply can be quickly connected after the main power supply fails due to a collision, solving the problem of emergency load paralysis caused by the interruption of the main power supply in a collision accident.

[0023] (2) The present invention improves the safety of occupants' escape. When the main power fails, the system can automatically switch to redundant power supply. If the automatic switching mechanism malfunctions, the redundant power supply can be forcibly started by manual emergency switch to ensure that occupants can operate the doors and windows normally to escape, greatly reducing the risk of being trapped after an accident.

[0024] (3) This invention optimizes space and has strong installation adaptability. The redundant power module is integrated into the left and right sun visors of the car, making full use of the idle space in the car without occupying other core functional areas, thus avoiding major modifications to the original structure of the vehicle. At the same time, the sun visors are reinforced and thickened to not only securely fix the energy storage module, but also ensure the original function of the sun visors, adapting to the installation requirements of most car models and reducing the cost of vehicle modification and mass production.

[0025] (4) The control logic of this invention is precise and responsive. It uses an MCU as the control module and collects collision signals in real time through the CAN bus. The response speed is fast and it can quickly determine the collision state and the main power supply condition. In terms of charging control, the charging threshold is set to automatically trigger charging. With the help of the charging management circuit and the battery management system, it can ensure that the lithium battery is always in a fully charged state, avoid overcharging to avoid damaging the battery, extend the battery life, and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

[0026] (5) The present invention has good compatibility and scalability. The power switching module uses a relay as the basic component and supports solid-state switch replacement. It can be flexibly selected according to the vehicle cost budget and performance requirements to adapt to the configuration requirements of different vehicle models. The main power supply directly uses the original car battery, without the need to add a dedicated main power supply, reducing the complexity of system components and facilitating compatibility with the existing vehicle electrical system. Other emergency loads can also be expanded based on this architecture in the future. Attached Figure Description

[0027] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a logical structure block diagram of the automotive redundant power supply system and control method of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1The components are labeled as follows: 1. Redundant power supply module; 2. Control module; 3. Power switching module; 4. Emergency load. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0031] This invention provides a redundant power supply system for automobiles, including a redundant power supply module, a control module, a power switching module, and an emergency load. The redundant power supply module is installed in the sun visor of the automobile. The output terminal of the redundant power supply module is connected to the input terminal of the control module. The output terminal of the main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the redundant power supply module. The output terminal of the main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the control module. The output terminal of the control module is connected to the input terminal of the power switching module. The main power supply is connected to the input terminal of the emergency load through the power switching module. The redundant power supply module is connected to the input terminal of the emergency load through the power switching module.

[0032] The redundant power module includes a left sun visor energy storage module and a right sun visor energy storage module. The left sun visor energy storage module is located in the left sun visor of the vehicle, and the right sun visor energy storage module is located in the right sun visor of the vehicle.

[0033] Both the left and right sun visor energy storage modules include lithium batteries, battery management systems, and charging management circuits. The main power supply is connected to the lithium battery through the charging management circuit, and the lithium battery is connected to the control module through the battery management system.

[0034] The control module uses a microcontroller.

[0035] The power switching module uses relays.

[0036] Emergency loads include door locks, window regulators, and sunroof motors.

[0037] This invention provides a control method for an automotive redundant power system, comprising the following steps:

[0038] Step 1: When the vehicle is driving normally, the control module continuously monitors the power level of the lithium battery in the redundant power module, and controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery when the power is insufficient.

[0039] Step 2: The control module collects vehicle collision signals in real time;

[0040] Step 3: When the control module collects the collision signal and determines that a collision has occurred, it checks the voltage of the main power supply to determine whether the main power supply has failed.

[0041] Step 4: After determining that the main power supply is effective, the control module controls the power switching module to disconnect the main power supply from the emergency load and controls the redundant power supply module to supply power to the emergency load.

[0042] In step three, when the control module detects that the main power supply voltage is lower than the set operating threshold voltage for a set period of time, it determines that the main power supply has failed.

[0043] In step four, after the main power supply fails, the control module first controls the left sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load. When the left sun visor energy storage module fails, the control module controls the right sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load.

[0044] When the main power supply fails, the redundant power module can be controlled to supply power to the emergency load via a manual emergency switch located between the redundant power module and the emergency load. The automotive redundant power system of this invention is described in detail below.

[0045] The automotive redundant power system provided by this invention includes a redundant power module, a control module, a power switching module, and an emergency load. The redundant power module includes a left sun visor energy storage module and a right sun visor energy storage module, with the left and right sun visors respectively located in the left and right sun visors. Both the left and right sun visors are reinforced and thickened to secure and protect the energy storage modules. Each module includes a lithium battery, a battery management system, and a charging management circuit. The main power supply charges the lithium batteries in both modules through the two charging management circuits. The control module monitors the battery levels of the lithium batteries in both modules through the battery management system. When the lithium battery level is low, the control module controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery through the charging management circuits. In this embodiment, the charging management circuit is packaged in a chip, specifically model BQ24610. The main power supply uses an automotive battery.

[0046] The control module uses a microcontroller (MCU) to detect the power level of the lithium battery in the redundant power module. When the lithium battery power is insufficient, the main power supply is controlled to charge the lithium battery through the charging management circuit. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the microcontroller detects that the lithium battery power is less than 90%, it controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery. At the same time, the collision signal collected by the collision sensor is collected in real time through the CAN network, and the voltage of the main power supply is detected. When the main power supply fails, the power supply module switches the power supply of the emergency load from the original main power supply to the redundant power module.

[0047] The power switching module uses relays. In this embodiment of the invention, there are three relays. The main power supply is connected to the power input terminal of the emergency load through the first relay. The lithium batteries in the left and right sun visor energy storage modules are connected to the emergency load through the second and third relays, respectively. The output terminal of the control module is connected to the control terminals (coil terminals) of the three relays. Relays can also be replaced by solid-state switches, such as IGBTs or MOSFETs.

[0048] Emergency loads include door locks, window regulators, and sunroof motors. In the event of a collision, if the main power supply fails, redundant power modules will supply power to the door locks, window regulators, and sunroof motors respectively, providing safety assurance for occupants to escape from the accident.

[0049] The connection relationships of the automotive redundant power supply system of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0050] The main power supply is connected to the power input terminal of the microcontroller. The main power supply is connected to the emergency load via the first relay. The main power supply is connected to the lithium battery in the left sun visor energy storage module via the charging management circuit in the left sun visor energy storage module, and to the lithium battery in the right sun visor energy storage module via the charging management circuit in the right sun visor energy storage module. The lithium batteries in the left and right sun visor energy storage modules are connected to the microcontroller's input terminal via the battery management system. The lithium batteries in the left and right sun visor energy storage modules are connected to the emergency load via the second and third relays, respectively. The output terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the coil terminals of the first, second, and third relays, respectively. The lithium batteries in the left and right sun visor energy storage modules are connected to the emergency load via manual emergency switches.

[0051] The control method of the automotive redundant power supply system of the present invention is described in detail below.

[0052] When the vehicle is in normal operation, the control module continuously monitors the power level of the lithium battery in the redundant power module. When the power level is insufficient, the control module controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power level threshold of the lithium battery is set at 90%. When the power level of the lithium battery is less than 90%, the control module controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery through the charging management circuit.

[0053] The control module collects vehicle collision signals in real time. Specifically, the control module connects to the collision sensor via a CAN bus and collects the signals input by the collision sensor in real time.

[0054] When the control module acquires a vehicle collision signal and determines that a collision has occurred, it detects the voltage of the main power supply to determine if the main power supply has failed. In this embodiment of the invention, when the main power supply voltage is less than 9V and the duration exceeds 300 milliseconds, the control module determines that the main power supply voltage has failed. After determining that the main power supply is effective, the control module controls the power switching module to disconnect the connection between the main power supply and the emergency load, and controls the redundant power supply module to supply power to the emergency load. Specifically, the control module controls the first relay between the main power supply and the emergency load to open, and controls the second relay between the lithium battery in the left sun visor energy storage module and the emergency load to close. If it is detected that the lithium battery in the left sun visor energy storage module has failed and cannot supply power to the emergency load, the control module controls the third relay between the lithium battery in the right sun visor energy storage module and the emergency load to close. At this time, the emergency load can work normally, and passengers in the vehicle can open the doors and windows to escape normally. When the main power supply fails, the redundant power supply module can also be controlled to supply power to the emergency load through a manual emergency switch set between the redundant power supply module and the emergency load.

[0055] This invention improves the reliability of power supply to emergency loads through a dual redundancy design. The redundant power module adopts a dual energy storage module architecture with left and right sunshades. When a single energy storage module fails, the control module can automatically switch to the other module for power supply, avoiding the failure of the redundant power supply due to a single point of failure. At the same time, with the dual power supply paths of the main power supply and the redundant power supply, combined with a switching mechanism composed of relays, the redundant power supply can be quickly connected after the main power supply fails due to a collision, solving the problem of emergency load paralysis caused by the interruption of the main power supply in a collision accident.

[0056] This invention improves the safety of occupants' escape. When the main power fails, the system can automatically switch to redundant power supply. If the automatic switching mechanism malfunctions, the redundant power supply can be forcibly activated by a manual emergency switch to ensure that occupants can operate the doors and windows normally to escape, greatly reducing the risk of being trapped after an accident.

[0057] This invention optimizes space and offers strong installation adaptability. Redundant power modules are integrated into the left and right sun visors of the vehicle, making full use of unused interior space without occupying other core functional areas, thus avoiding significant modifications to the original vehicle structure. Simultaneously, the sun visors are reinforced and thickened to securely fix the energy storage modules while maintaining their original functionality, adapting to the installation needs of most vehicle models and reducing overall vehicle modification and mass production costs.

[0058] The control logic of this invention is precise and responsive. It employs an MCU as the control module, acquiring collision signals in real time via a CAN bus, resulting in a fast response and rapid determination of the collision state and main power supply status. In terms of charging control, a set power threshold automatically triggers charging. Combined with the charging management circuit and battery management system, this ensures the lithium battery is always fully charged while preventing overcharging that could damage the battery, extending its lifespan, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0059] This invention offers excellent compatibility and scalability. The power switching module uses relays as its basic component and also supports solid-state switch replacement. It allows for flexible selection based on vehicle cost budget and performance requirements, adapting to the configuration requirements of different vehicle models. The main power supply directly utilizes the vehicle's existing battery, eliminating the need for a dedicated main power supply, reducing system component complexity, facilitating compatibility with existing vehicle electrical systems, and allowing for future expansion of other emergency loads based on this architecture.

[0060] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A redundant power supply system for automobiles, characterized in that: The system includes a redundant power supply module, a control module, a power switching module, and an emergency load. The redundant power supply module is installed in the car sun visor. The output of the redundant power supply module is connected to the input of the control module. The output of the main power supply is connected to the input of the redundant power supply module. The output of the main power supply is connected to the input of the control module. The output of the control module is connected to the input of the power switching module. The main power supply is connected to the input of the emergency load through the power switching module. The redundant power supply module is connected to the input of the emergency load through the power switching module.

2. The automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The redundant power module includes a left sun visor energy storage module and a right sun visor energy storage module. The left sun visor energy storage module is located in the left sun visor of the vehicle, and the right sun visor energy storage module is located in the right sun visor of the vehicle.

3. The automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both the left and right sun visor energy storage modules include a lithium battery, a battery management system, and a charging management circuit. The main power supply is connected to the lithium battery through the charging management circuit, and the lithium battery is connected to the control module through the battery management system.

4. The automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The control module uses a microcontroller.

5. The automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power switching module uses a relay.

6. The automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency loads include door locks, window regulators, and sunroof motors.

7. The control method for an automotive redundant power supply system as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: When the vehicle is driving normally, the control module continuously monitors the power level of the lithium battery in the redundant power module, and controls the main power supply to charge the lithium battery when the power is insufficient. Step 2: The control module collects vehicle collision signals in real time; Step 3: After the control module collects the collision signal and determines that a collision has occurred, it checks the voltage of the main power supply to determine whether the main power supply has failed. Step 4: After determining that the main power supply is effective, the control module controls the power switching module to disconnect the main power supply from the emergency load and controls the redundant power supply module to supply power to the emergency load.

8. The control method for an automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: In step three, when the control module detects that the main power supply voltage is lower than the set operating threshold voltage for a set period of time, it determines that the main power supply has failed.

9. The control method for an automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: In step four, after the main power supply fails, the control module first controls the left sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load. When the left sun visor energy storage module fails, the control module controls the right sun visor energy storage module to supply power to the emergency load.

10. The control method for an automotive redundant power supply system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: When the main power supply fails, the redundant power supply module can be controlled to supply power to the emergency load via a manual emergency switch set between the redundant power supply module and the emergency load.

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