Actuator Control System Thermal Management via Single Transistor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing stringent European emission standards and electrification of command controls in motor vehicles lead to thermal resistance issues in multifunction engine computers (CMM), limiting the number of power components like H-bridges due to compact packaging and thermal constraints, risking component malfunction and overheating.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an actuator control system with alternative electronic structures that reduce the number of power components by using a single transistor for single-state control and mechanical devices for safety positions, replacing traditional H-bridges to maintain functional safety and thermal resistance, while optimizing packaging and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional H-bridge electronic structures are used to control actuators, then functional safety and bidirectional control are ensured, but the number of power components increases leading to thermal resistance issues and packaging constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bidirectional control functionality from the H-bridge structure by removing unnecessary transistors. Instead of using all four transistors in a traditional H-bridge, the invention uses only one transistor per actuator channel, eliminating redundant components while maintaining the ability to control actuators in both directions through software logic and mechanical fallback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single transistor perform multiple functions that traditionally required four transistors. The same transistor is used for both forward and reverse control of the actuator, with the control unit managing the timing and sequencing to achieve bidirectional control without requiring separate transistors for each direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more power components are added to meet emission standards functions, then functional requirements are satisfied, but thermal resistance and heat dissipation become critical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes excess power components that generate heat. By replacing H-bridge structures with single-transistor designs, the number of power-generating components is reduced by approximately 75% per actuator channel, directly addressing thermal resistance issues while maintaining all required functions for emission standards compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the traditional H-bridge configuration with its four transistors and recovers the essential bidirectional control functionality through a simplified single-transistor design. The control unit recovers the lost functionality by implementing software-based timing control and mechanical fallback mechanisms, achieving the same functional outcome with fewer heat-generating components.
3Temperature
If the number of transistors is reduced to improve thermal resistance, then heat dissipation is improved, but control precision and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors actuator position and system state. This feedback allows the control unit to precisely control the single transistor's switching timing, ensuring accurate bidirectional control despite having fewer power components. The feedback loop compensates for the reduced hardware redundancy through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates mechanical fallback mechanisms and safety interlocks that activate beforehand to ensure control precision and safety. If the electronic control system fails or if abnormal conditions are detected, the mechanical mechanisms provide a backup control path, ensuring that control precision is maintained even with reduced electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling actuators in a motor vehicle, said system comprising at least one first and one second actuator respectively carrying out a first and a second function, each function having at least one first and one second state; and a first electronic structure designed to control the first and the second state of the first function; said system being characterised in that it also comprises a second electronic structure designed to control only the first state of the second function; and a mechanical device designed to control the second state of the second function.