Capacitor Discharge Control via Wake-Up Message Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for discharging capacitors in vehicle electrical systems require additional cables and inputs, leading to increased complexity and power consumption, especially when multiple capacitors are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an active discharge circuit connected in parallel with the capacitor, interfaced with a message-based communication system, which includes a wake-up functionality to enable or disable the discharge without the need for additional inputs, reducing cable harnesses and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to control capacitor discharge, then the discharge control is achieved, but additional cables and inputs are required, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up input of the interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to receive both wake-up messages and disable discharge command messages. This allows the same physical input to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated input for discharge control and thereby reducing cable harness requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality for receiving wake-up messages and receiving disable discharge commands is merged into a single input channel. By combining these two control functions into one shared input, the system reduces the total number of cables and inputs needed, directly addressing the complexity issue.
2Reliability
If additional inputs are added to control capacitor discharge, then the discharge control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface's wake-up input is designed to handle multiple types of messages (wake-up messages and disable discharge commands) through a single channel. This multi-functionality ensures that no additional power-consuming inputs or processing channels need to be activated, as the same input infrastructure handles both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface autonomously distinguishes between different message types received on the wake-up input and processes them appropriately without requiring additional dedicated control channels. This self-service capability allows the system to manage multiple functions through a single input, reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discharging a capacitor. An active discharge circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor. An interface provides a signal connection between a message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit. The interface comprises at least one input for receiving messages from the message-based communication system. The interface comprises a wake-up functionality. The at least one input comprises an input for the wake-up functionality. The method comprises: receiving at the input for the wake-up functionality a disable discharge command message of said messages for the disabling of the discharge of the capacitor, wherein upon cessation of the disable discharge command message the discharge of the capacitor is enabled. An apparatus for the discharge of a capacitor, wherein the apparatus comprises the interface and the active discharge circuit connectable in parallel with the capacitor.