Vehicle Backup Power Path for Zero-Lag ADAS Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-vehicle power source systems experience a time lag in supplying power from a sub-power source to an electrical load when the main power source fails, affecting the reliability of high-grade driving assistance systems.

Innovation Solution

A power source system that includes a first power source, a second power source, a DC-DC converter, and a power source control device, which ensures continuous operation of the high-grade driving assistance system by supplying power from the second power source without a time lag in case of main power source failure, using relays to manage power flow and prevent wastage or competition between control and braking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the sub-power source is electrically disconnected from the electrical load when not required to charge, then power consumption from the sub-power source is reduced, but a time lag occurs when the main power source fails and power supply from the sub-power source is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption from sub-power sourceVSAvoidtime lag in power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-power source is pre-connected to the electrical load through the DC-DC converter before main power source failure occurs. This preliminary connection ensures that when the main power source fails, power can be supplied immediately without any time lag for reconfiguration or switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC converter serves as an intermediary device that enables continuous power supply from the sub-power source to the electrical load. It acts as a buffer that maintains electrical connection while managing power flow, allowing seamless transition when the main power source fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the sub-power source is continuously connected to the electrical load, then power can be supplied without time lag when main power source fails, but power is wasted when the sub-power source is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation of electrical loadVSAvoidwasteful power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the connection state between the sub-power source and electrical load based on real-time power source status. The sub-power source connection is activated when the main power source fails and deactivated when the main power source is functioning normally, optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power source control device monitors the status of the main power source and provides feedback control to manage the connection between the sub-power source and electrical load. This feedback mechanism ensures the sub-power source is only connected when needed, preventing wasteful power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If power is supplied from the sub-power source during high-grade driving assistance control, then reliability is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuity of control deviceVSAvoidpower consumption from sub-power source

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Power from the sub-power source is supplied partially, only during the specific period when high-grade driving assistance control is being executed. This partial action approach ensures reliability during critical operations while avoiding excessive power consumption during normal driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Ensures continuous operation of high-grade driving assistance systems without power lag when the main power source fails, reduces power consumption from the sub-power source, and prevents wasteful power flow or competitive situations between control and braking operations.

Implementation Method 1

a Direct Current to Direct Current converter that is mounted on the vehicle and is connected to the second power source, and that is configured to adjust power supplied from the second power source so as to output the adjusted power to a first path connected to the first power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect Current to Direct Current conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11752874B2Power source system

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A power source system includes a first power source, a second power source, a Direct Current to Direct Current converter, a first load including a vehicle control device configured to perform predetermined control regarding at least one of traveling, steering, and braking of the vehicle regardless of a driving operation performed by a driver of the vehicle, and an electric actuator as a control target of the vehicle control device, and connected to the first path so as to be supplied with power from the first power source, and a power source control device configured to control an operation of the Direct Current to Direct Current converter such that power is supplied to the first path from the second power source in a case where the predetermined control is performed.