In-Vehicle Backup Circuit Segmentation for Power Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle power supply systems face challenges in maintaining power supply continuity when the main power source fails, particularly due to the need for larger smoothing capacitors with increased load power consumption, leading to increased circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle backup circuit with a configuration that includes a power supply portion, an electricity storage portion, and voltage conversion portions, allowing instant power supply from an auxiliary source to a load via an intermediate conductive path, with a control unit managing operations to prioritize power distribution and maintain charge voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smoothing capacitor is used to supply power during the time-lag period until the EDLC output voltage is stepped up, then power continuity is improved, but the circuit scale increases due to the need for larger capacity capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function into multiple paths: a first load-side conductive path for primary power supply and a second load-side conductive path for backup power supply. This segmentation allows the system to maintain power continuity by switching between paths without requiring a single large-capacity smoothing capacitor, thus reducing circuit scale while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate conductive path that connects the EDLC output to the second load-side conductive path. This intermediary path enables direct power supply from the EDLC to critical loads during backup operation, eliminating the need for large smoothing capacitors and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining power continuity.
2Power
If a larger smoothing capacitor is provided to support higher load power consumption, then power supply capability is improved, but the circuit scale and component size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into a power supply portion and a backup portion, with separate conductive paths for each. This segmentation allows the backup circuit to use a compact EDLC with voltage conversion circuitry rather than requiring a large smoothing capacitor, thereby maintaining power supply capability for critical loads while reducing overall circuit scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs voltage conversion portions that can step up or step down voltage as needed. By changing voltage parameters dynamically, the system can deliver adequate power to loads using a smaller EDLC and associated conversion circuitry instead of requiring a large-capacity smoothing capacitor, thus improving power supply capability without increasing circuit scale.
3Reliability
If the backup circuit instantly supplies power from the EDLC to the load, then power continuity is improved, but voltage conversion time is required which may cause delay
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to detect power supply cessation from the main power supply portion and immediately activate the backup path. By preparing the backup circuit in advance and triggering it instantly upon detection, the system achieves seamless power continuity without noticeable delay, effectively eliminating the time loss associated with voltage conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous power supply by establishing a backup conductive path that can immediately take over when the main power fails. The control unit ensures uninterrupted power delivery by seamlessly switching between power supply paths, maintaining the continuity of useful action without interruption or noticeable time delay.
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
Enables seamless and efficient power backup to critical loads by instantly supplying power from an auxiliary source, suppressing charge voltage reduction, and maintaining power continuity with reduced circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage conversion portion configured to perform a first operation of stepping down or stepping up a voltage applied to the power supply portion-side conductive path to apply an output voltage to the electricity storage portion-side conductive path
Implementation Method 2
a second voltage conversion portion configured to perform a voltage conversion operation of stepping up or stepping down a voltage applied to the electricity storage portion-side conductive path to apply an output voltage to the intermediate conductive path
Implementation Method 3
An element portion is provided between the intermediate conductive path and the second load-side conductive path, and is configured to allow flow of current from the intermediate conductive path to the second load-side conductive path when the backup circuit is in a first state in which a potential of the intermediate conductive path is higher than a potential of the second load-side conductive path by a predetermined potential difference or more
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration with which, even if the supply of power from a power supply portion ceases, the power from another power supply source can be instantly supplied to a power supply target is more easily achieved. In a backup circuit, a control unit causes a second voltage conversion portion to perform a voltage conversion operation in response to satisfaction of a predetermined first backup condition, and a power supply portion-side conductive path and an electricity storage portion-side conductive path are electrically connected to each other via a resistive portion when the control unit is causing the second voltage conversion portion to perform the voltage conversion operation. Furthermore, the control unit causes the first voltage conversion portion to perform a second operation in response to a predetermined second backup condition being satisfied when the control unit is causing the second voltage conversion portion to perform the voltage conversion operation.