Autonomous Control System for Vehicle Safety During Main Battery Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face safety risks due to total failure of the main battery while in motion, as it renders critical systems inoperative, and the secondary battery is insufficient for intensive use, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous power generation system utilizing regenerative energy from braking to power a capacitor bank, which then supplies power to essential systems like steering and brakes, independent of the main battery, reducing the need for frequent charging and ensuring continued operation of basic services in case of main battery failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the secondary battery is used to power basic services during main battery failure, then vehicle safety is improved, but the secondary battery capacity is insufficient for intensive use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent capacitor banks, each associated with specific wheels and basic services. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the energy storage burden across multiple smaller units rather than relying on a single large secondary battery, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive capacity from any single battery unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor banks are pre-charged during regenerative braking events before they are needed. The system captures and stores energy in the capacitors during normal operation when braking occurs, so that when main battery failure happens, the capacitors are already charged and ready to immediately power basic services without requiring the secondary battery to provide intensive continuous power.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If regenerative energy is stored in capacitor banks to power basic services, then the number of main battery charges is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regenerative braking energy capture function with the basic services power supply function into a single integrated capacitor bank system. The same capacitors that store regenerative energy during normal operation also serve as the emergency power source for basic services during main battery failure, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own regenerative braking energy to charge the capacitor banks, making the system self-sustaining. The energy required to maintain the capacitor banks is harvested from the vehicle's own braking operations, reducing dependence on the main battery for charging and thereby extending main battery lifespan without requiring external charging infrastructure or additional power sources.
3Device complexity
If the main battery is used to power all vehicle services, then the system is simple, but total failure renders all principal systems inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor banks serve as a cushion or backup energy reserve that is prepared in advance during normal operation. When main battery failure occurs, these pre-charged capacitors provide immediate power to basic services, cushioning against the failure and maintaining operational continuity. This is achieved by continuously capturing regenerative energy during braking to keep the capacitors charged, creating a safety buffer without requiring a completely redundant power 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
This system enhances safety by allowing continued control of the vehicle during main battery failure, reduces the number of main battery charges, and extends its lifespan by using regenerative energy stored in the secondary battery, thereby minimizing accident risks and prolonging battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
using the regenerative energy generated by braking a vehicle for powering a secondary battery
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor bank which powers said basic services via the secondary battery
Data Source
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AI summary
The regenerative energy produced during the braking of a vehicle is used for powering a secondary battery, that is independent from the main battery, and, in the event of a complete failure of said main battery, allows the continued operation of the basic services such as power steering, lights, the brake servo unit, and electronics, as a result of the combined action of said autonomous system that includes a capacitor bank which powers said services either directly or via the secondary battery. The system comprises an interface of the electronic power and control unit, an electronic power and control unit applied to the steering and pedals, and an ECU power controller and port.