In-Vehicle Backup Power Source Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle power source systems face challenges in managing backup power sources, particularly due to increased costs and sizes associated with higher capacity power storage units, which are exacerbated by temperature-related resistance variations in conductive paths and power storage units.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle backup power source control apparatus that employs a voltage conversion unit and a control unit to adjust target voltages based on temperature ranges of both the power storage unit and conductive paths, optimizing power supply to mitigate burden on the power storage unit while preventing excessive capacity increases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the capacity of the power storage unit is increased to ensure sufficient backup power, then the reliability of the backup power source is improved, but the cost and size of the power storage unit increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup power source reliabilityVSAvoidpower storage unit capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment based on real-time temperature sensing of the conductive path. The control unit modifies the target voltage output from the power storage unit according to the detected temperature, creating a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions rather than relying on static high-capacity design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the power storage unit output based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the target voltage according to the conductive path temperature, the system optimizes power delivery efficiency and reduces the need for excessive capacity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the target voltage is increased to compensate for resistance losses in the conductive path, then the power delivery to the backup target load is improved, but the burden on the power storage unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery to backup target loadVSAvoidpower storage unit energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the temperature of the conductive path is sensed and used to adjust the target voltage output. The control unit continuously monitors the conductive path temperature and modifies the voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes power delivery while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from the power storage unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter based on temperature feedback. By adjusting the target voltage according to actual conductive path conditions rather than using a fixed high voltage, the system achieves adequate power delivery without excessive energy burden on the power storage unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively suppresses the need for increased power storage unit capacity by dynamically adjusting target voltages in response to temperature variations, ensuring reliable power delivery to backup loads while maintaining efficient system operation.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage conversion unit 3B that performs a voltage conversion operation for stepping up or down a voltage applied to a first conductive path 21

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11465575B2In-vehicle backup power source control apparatus and in-vehicle backup power source apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.10.11 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US11465575B2 patent drawing
  • US11465575B2 patent drawing
  • US11465575B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An increase in the capacity of a power storage unit is effectively suppressed. An in-vehicle backup power source control apparatus includes a discharge unit, a control unit, and a temperature obtaining unit. The control unit controls a discharge operation such that an output voltage of the discharge unit reaches a target voltage. The temperature obtaining unit obtains the temperature of a power storage unit. When the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining unit is within a predetermined first temperature range, the control unit sets the target voltage to a first target voltage, and when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining unit is within a predetermined second temperature range that is higher than the first temperature range, the control unit sets the target voltage to a second target voltage that is higher than first target voltage.