Airbag Capacitor Charging Circuit With Voltage-Triggered Max Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing capacitor charging circuits in airbag controller chipsets rely on developer experience to determine charging current, resulting in slow charging times for energy reserve capacitors.

Innovation Solution

A capacitor charging circuit with a voltage comparison module and a current adjustment module that adjusts the charging current based on a preset threshold, using a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor to charge the capacitor with maximum current when the voltage is higher than the threshold, improving charging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the charging current is determined according to worst operating conditions relying on developer experience, then the charging control strategy is simple, but the charging time becomes very long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidcharging control strategy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the charging current adjustment module continuously monitors the voltage of the energy reserve capacitor and adjusts the charging current accordingly. When the capacitor voltage reaches a preset threshold, the module automatically reduces the charging current to prevent overcharging, eliminating the need for complex software control strategies while significantly reducing charging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit performs self-regulation through the feedback mechanism, where the system automatically adjusts its own charging parameters based on real-time voltage measurements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external software intervention and developer-defined charging strategies, simplifying the control system while achieving fast charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the charging current rises slowly under software control, then the charging control is flexible, but the charging efficiency becomes very low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based charging control with a hardware-based automatic charging current adjustment module. This module uses voltage detection and feedback circuits to automatically regulate charging current, substituting the slow and inefficient software control mechanism with a faster hardware response system that significantly improves charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging current adjustment module is pre-configured with preset voltage thresholds and automatic current reduction logic. When the capacitor voltage reaches these pre-set levels, the module automatically adjusts the charging current without waiting for software intervention, enabling proactive charging management that大幅提升 charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If the charging current is set to maximum value, then the charging time is reduced, but the risk of overcharging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidovercharging protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the charging current adjustment module continuously monitors capacitor voltage and automatically reduces charging current when the preset voltage threshold is reached. This real-time feedback control enables the system to charge at maximum current safely without overcharging, as the automatic current reduction prevents voltage from exceeding safe limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit incorporates pre-set voltage thresholds and automatic current reduction logic that act as a safety cushion before overcharging can occur. When the capacitor voltage approaches the dangerous level, the feedback mechanism proactively reduces the charging current, providing a buffer that prevents overcharging while maintaining fast charging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution allows for controlled and efficient charging of energy reserve capacitors, reducing charging time by enabling maximum current charging without the need for remote control signals, thereby enhancing charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage comparison module, connected to the charging power supply, and configured to output a drive signal indicating charging upon judging that the charging voltage is higher than a preset threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

the current adjustment module receiving the drive signal and, upon receiving the drive signal indicating charging, causing the charging power supply to charge the capacitor with a maximum charging current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField-effect transistor operation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240067116A1Capacitor Charging Circuit, Airbag Controller and Airbag System
Publication Date: 2024.02.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20240067116A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A capacitor charging circuit, comprising: a charging power supply, for outputting a charging voltage; a voltage comparison module, connected to the charging power supply, and configured to output a drive signal indicating charging upon judging that the charging voltage is higher than a preset threshold; a current adjustment module, connected to the voltage comparison module and the charging power supply separately, the charging current adjustment module receiving the drive signal and, upon receiving the drive signal indicating charging, causing the charging power supply to charge the capacitor with a maximum charging current. The present application enables adjustment of the charging current of the charging capacitor according to the power supply voltage, thus increasing the charging speed.