Bistable Relay Control via Integrated Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power distributors using bistable relays require multiple cable strands for control, leading to increased complexity and cost, and struggle with maintaining defined switching states during mechanical stress like crashes, often resorting to monostable relays for safety.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an ASIC with a bridge circuit and logic module within the bistable relay, allowing the control unit to set and diagnose switching states via a single control line, using current pulses and redundant voltage supply for reliability and reverse polarity protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple cable strands are used for controlling bistable relays, then the control capability is improved, but the cable complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single cable strand by integrating an intelligent controller within the relay assembly. This controller handles multiple control signals (first control signal, second control signal, third control signal) internally, eliminating the need for separate cable strands for each control function. The single cable strand carries all necessary control signals to the intelligent controller, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining full control capability.
2Reliability
If monostable relays are used to maintain switching states during mechanical stress, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the intelligent controller continuously monitors the switching state of the relay contacts and compares it with the desired state. When mechanical stress causes the relay to transition to an undefined or incorrect switching state, the feedback signal triggers the controller to send a corrective control signal to restore the proper switching state. This feedback-based state maintenance allows the use of energy-efficient bistable relays instead of continuously energized monostable relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent controller automatically detects and corrects switching state deviations caused by mechanical stress without external intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by monitoring its own switching states and automatically restoring them when necessary, eliminating the need for continuous external control signals or manual intervention.
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
Reduces cable requirements, lowers power consumption, and ensures reliable switching state maintenance, enabling the use of bistable relays in safety-critical systems by automatically resetting and protecting against reverse polarity.
Implementation Method 1
the integrated circuit switches a current pulse through the coil, in order to set the bistable relay to the switching state defined by the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle with a power distributor and a control unit, the power distributor includes a bistable relay with at least one coil. The bistable relay can be set to first and second switching states. The bistable relay has an integrated circuit, wherein a control unit activates the integrated circuit by way of a control line and defines one of the two switching states via a control signal. The control unit applies a first control voltage or a second control voltage to the control line, wherein the first control voltage corresponds to the first switching state, and the second control voltage corresponds to the second switching state. The integrated circuit switches a current pulse through the coil in order to set the bistable relay to the switching state defined by the control unit.