Backup Power Switching for Vehicle Emergency Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face difficulties in maintaining communication between vehicles, particularly in emergency situations, when the primary power source fails or is damaged, leading to a lack of communication pathways for emergency braking protocols.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating a first power source and a secondary power source, such as a capacitor or super capacitor, to ensure continuous communication by switching to the secondary power source when the primary power source fails, enabling emergency signals to be transmitted between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary power source is used to supply power to the communication system, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the communication reliability fails when the primary power source is damaged or malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
A second power source is pre-configured in the vehicle system alongside the primary power source, but remains dormant during normal operation. When the primary power source fails, the second power source is activated to maintain communication system operation, enabling emergency braking protocols to function even when the primary power source is damaged
Solution Approach 2:
The second power source acts as a backup cushion that compensates for potential failures of the primary power source. This redundant power supply ensures that the communication system maintains operational capability during emergency situations, preventing total system failure
2Loss of time
If alternative communication paths such as cell phones are used when the primary communication system fails, then external communication is possible, but the response time is delayed and the solution requires external infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The second power source is pre-positioned within the vehicle system to immediately take over power supply to the communication system when the primary power source fails. This eliminates the time delay associated with external communication methods and ensures continuous operational capability without requiring external infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be provided that includes a first power source configured to supply power to a communication system of a vehicle system to communicate a signal from a first vehicle of the vehicle system to a second vehicle of the vehicle system. The system may include a second power source configured to supply power to the communication system to communicate the signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle, and a controller. The controller may obtain an operational parameter, and communicate the signal based on the operational parameter when the first power source supplies power to the communication system. The controller may be configured to communicate the signal utilizing the power from the second power source based on the operational parameter when the first power source does not supply power to the communication system.