Actuator Assembly Backup Power with Integrated Boost-Buck Converter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies in motor vehicles face challenges in providing a reliable and compact backup power source for electrical door latches, as current solutions like auxiliary batteries and capacitor groups are either bulky, inefficient, or require additional energy sources, failing to guarantee sufficient autonomous power during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control circuit with a backup energy source subassembly that includes a boost-buck converter and low voltage supercapacitors, controlled by a microcontroller to selectively amplify or reduce voltage, providing a compact and efficient power solution for actuator assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary battery is used as backup power source, then sufficient power supply is guaranteed, but the size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup power source (supercapacitor) and the boost-buck converter into a single integrated module that fits within the existing latch assembly housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary batteries and external circuitry, achieving both reliability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using a low voltage supercapacitor (e.g., 2.7V) combined with a boost converter to generate the required higher voltage (e.g., 12V). This parameter transformation allows a small-capacity supercapacitor to provide sufficient power, dramatically reducing weight compared to traditional auxiliary batteries.
2Weight of stationary object
If a capacitor group is used as backup power source, then the size is reduced, but the power supply duration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor is pre-charged to full capacity during normal operation when the main power source is available. This preliminary charging ensures that when a power failure occurs, the backup power source can immediately provide full power without delay, maintaining both compactness and sufficient duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the main power source and the backup supercapacitor based on real-time power availability. The boost-buck converter dynamically adjusts its operation to maximize power utilization from the supercapacitor during emergencies, ensuring optimal performance within the limited energy capacity.
3Reliability
If a mechanical release mechanism is added as backup, then door opening is guaranteed during power failure, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the proposed mechanical release mechanism with an electrical solution using a supercapacitor and boost-buck converter. This substitution maintains the electrical latch design simplicity while ensuring operation during power failures, avoiding the complexity of dual mechanical-electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power system is self-contained within the latch assembly, using the same electrical components (supercapacitor, converter, control circuit) that are already part of the modern electrical latch. The system serves itself by automatically detecting power failures and switching to backup mode without requiring additional mechanical backup mechanisms.
4Area of stationary object
If the backup power source is integrated into the latch assembly, then the area occupation is reduced, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup power source (supercapacitor) and the boost-buck converter into a single integrated module that fits within the existing latch assembly housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary batteries and external circuitry, achieving both compactness and design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost-buck converter serves multiple functions: it acts as a power management device during normal operation, a voltage booster during power failures, and a charging circuit for the supercapacitor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, simplifying the overall design while integrating the backup system.
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
The solution offers a reliable, compact, and efficient backup power source that can autonomously switch between boost and buck modes to ensure continuous operation of actuator assemblies during main power failures, reducing size, weight, and cost while providing high energy density and long-term reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a boost-buck converter configured to selectively supply voltage to and selectively amplify voltage from the backup low voltage source
Implementation Method 2
An inductor is electrically connected to the backup low voltage source for storing and releasing electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The backup energy source subassembly includes a backup low voltage source and a boost-buck converter configured to selectively supply voltage to and selectively amplify voltage from the backup low voltage source
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control circuit with a backup energy source subassembly for an e-latch assembly and a method of operating the backup energy source subassembly are disclosed. The electronic control circuit includes a control unit including a computing module and a memory for electrically coupling to a plurality of sensors and to a main power source. The backup energy source subassembly is electrically coupled to the control unit for providing electrical energy to the electronic control circuit in response to one of a failure and interruption of the main power source. An output module is electrically connected to the backup energy source subassembly and to the main power source for driving an actuation group. The backup energy source subassembly includes a backup low voltage source and a boost-buck converter configured to selectively supply voltage to and selectively amplify voltage from the backup low voltage source.