In-Vehicle Backup Power Control with Dual Discharge Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle backup power source systems with a single backup path are prone to failure if a component malfunctions, leading to unreliable backup operations.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle backup power source control apparatus with dual discharge paths and independent control units, allowing for seamless power supply switching from a primary to a secondary path when the primary fails, ensuring continued power delivery to critical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single backup path is used in the backup power source apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of backup operation deteriorates because a component malfunction can prevent backup operation
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power source apparatus is segmented into two independent discharge paths: a first discharge path with a first discharge unit and a second discharge path with a second discharge unit. Each path can independently perform backup operations, so that if one path fails due to component malfunction, the other path can still provide backup power, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely redundant system
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system (first discharge unit and second discharge unit) are designed with different local qualities and functions. The first discharge unit handles normal backup operations, while the second discharge unit serves as a specialized backup for when the first discharge unit fails. This localized functional differentiation allows the system to maintain high reliability while keeping overall complexity manageable
2Reliability
If dual discharge paths with independent control units are implemented, then the reliability of backup operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a first control unit and a second control unit, each independently managing one discharge path. This segmentation allows each control unit to operate autonomously, improving reliability by ensuring that a failure in one control unit does not affect the other discharge path
Solution Approach 2:
Both discharge paths share common components including a single power storage unit, charging circuit, and step-up circuit. This merging of common resources reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the benefits of dual independent discharge paths for improved reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration that can increase the reliability of a backup operation is realized in a simpler manner. An in-vehicle backup power source control apparatus includes a first control unit that causes a charge/discharge unit (first discharge unit) to perform a first discharge operation when power supply that is based on a power source unit enters a failure state, and a second control unit that causes a second discharge unit to perform a second discharge operation when power supply that is based on the power source unit enters a failure state and at least the first discharge operation performed by the charge/discharge unit is in an abnormal state.