Two-Level Automotive Power Distribution With Solid-State Branch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automotive power distribution systems face issues of complex structure, high failure rate due to mechanical relays and fuse wires, susceptibility to interference, low intelligence, and inability to meet the increasing complexity and intelligence demands of modern automobile electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-level power supply protection architecture comprising a main control unit and subsidiary control units, utilizing electronic switch tubes and fuses for protection, with integrated intelligent MOS tubes for enhanced management and protection, eliminating the need for traditional electrical boxes and separate power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical box with relays and fuse wires is used for power distribution, then power logic control and safety management are achieved, but the structure becomes complex and failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical relays and fuse wires with electronic control units and electronic circuit breakers. The main control unit and subsidiary control units use electronic switching devices (MOS tubes, triacs) to control power distribution, eliminating mechanical contacts and improving reliability while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power distribution system into hierarchical levels with a main control unit managing overall protection and multiple subsidiary control units managing individual electrical devices. This segmentation allows distributed intelligence and reduces the need for a centralized complex electrical box.
2Reliability
If fuse wires and relays are used for each power branch, then safety protection and logical control are provided, but the system has high failure rate due to mechanical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical relays by using electronic switching devices controlled by the main and subsidiary control units. The electronic circuit breakers and solid-state switches have no mechanical contacts, thereby eliminating contact wear and significantly extending system lifespan while maintaining protection and control functions.
3Ease of operation
If electrical box is used to distribute power to multiple devices, then power distribution is achieved, but interference from one power line can be transmitted to other power lines causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates electrically isolated power distribution channels through individual subsidiary control units for each electrical device. Each control unit has its own power input connected in parallel to the power line, preventing interference transmission between different device branches while maintaining convenient power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsidiary control units act as intermediary devices between the power line and electrical devices, providing isolation and protection. The electronic circuit breakers and control circuits in each subsidiary unit block interference from propagating to other power lines while still allowing normal power distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power distribution system is used, then basic power supply is provided, but intelligence and adaptability for modern automobile electrical systems are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The subsidiary control units are equipped with self-detection and self-protection capabilities, automatically monitoring their respective power lines and electrical devices. When faults are detected, the units autonomously activate electronic circuit breakers to protect the system, reducing the need for complex centralized control while enhancing intelligence and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The main control unit receives status information from all subsidiary control units and provides centralized monitoring and coordination. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent power management, fault diagnosis, and system-wide protection while keeping individual control units relatively simple, thus achieving high adaptability without excessive complexity.
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
Simplifies design and production, reduces copper usage and vehicle weight, enables intelligent power management, and stabilizes power distribution by standardizing power line configurations and allowing priority settings for electrical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the main controller 21 limits the current of the power line 3 through the on-resistance RON of the electronic switch tube M2
Implementation Method 2
a fuse wire F2 and an electronic switch tube M2 connected in series to form a main power circuit protection device 22
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention discloses a power distribution system, including a system power supply, a main control unit, a power line and a number of subsidiary control units. The main control unit comprises a main controller and a main power circuit protection device connected to the main controller. The input end of the main power circuit protection device is connected to the power output end of the system power supply, and the output end of the main power circuit protection device is connected to an end of the power line. Each subsidiary control unit comprises a subsidiary controller and a subsidiary power circuit protection device connected to the subsidiary controller. The input end of the subsidiary power circuit protection device is connected in parallel to the power line, and the output end of the subsidiary power circuit protection device is connected to the electrical device. The present invention constructs a two-level power supply protection architecture from the system power supply to the electrical device in a structural form consisting of a main control unit, a subsidiary control unit and a power line. The main control unit constitutes the protection of the power line, and the subsidiary control unit constitutes the protection of itself and connected electrical devices.