Capacitor-Based Power Management for Vehicle Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external diagnosing apparatus for vehicles consume unnecessary electric power when not properly managed, especially in smaller vehicles with limited battery capacity, leading to inefficiencies and increased size, weight, and cost.

Innovation Solution

An external diagnosing apparatus that uses a vehicle-mounted power supply connected to an ignition switch, with a capacitor to store power when the switch is on and supply it when the switch is off, including a memory-related job judging section and a time limit display to manage operations and prevent power interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electric power is supplied from the vehicle-mounted power supply to the external diagnosing apparatus, then the diagnosing apparatus can operate, but unnecessary electric power is consumed when the ignition switch is off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is charged with electric power from the vehicle-mounted power supply before the ignition switch is turned off, storing energy in advance to ensure continuous operation of the external diagnosing apparatus during the period when the power supply is stopped

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the vehicle-mounted power supply and the external diagnosing apparatus, transferring and storing electric power to bridge the gap when the ignition switch is off

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of moving object

If the external diagnosing apparatus is made smaller and lighter by removing internal power supply, then size and weight are reduced, but the apparatus becomes dependent on vehicle power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus weightVSAvoidpower supply independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The internal power supply (battery) is extracted and removed from the external diagnosing apparatus, eliminating the need for a large battery while reducing size, weight, and cost of the apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor serves as a lightweight intermediary power storage component that provides temporary power supply capability without requiring a large battery, enabling the apparatus to operate during ignition-off periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the capacitor stores electric power for use when ignition switch is off, then power supply continuity is improved, but the capacitor size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidcapacitor volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor stores only the minimum necessary amount of electric power required to maintain operation during the ignition-off period, rather than storing excessive power that would require a larger capacitor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply mode from continuous supply to intermittent supply based on ignition switch state, allowing the capacitor to be optimized for short-duration power storage rather than long-duration storage

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

This solution reduces electric power consumption, minimizes the size and weight of the diagnosing apparatus, and ensures efficient use of the vehicle's power supply by managing power usage based on the capacitor's charge, promoting smooth job continuation and reducing the risk of interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor (64) being connected to the external-diagnosing-apparatus-side electric power line and storing electric power, the capacitor (64) being charged with electric power from the vehicle-mounted power supply when the ignition switch is on, and supplying the charged electric power to the external diagnosing apparatus after the ignition switch has been turned off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9224253B2External diagnosis device, vehicle diagnosis system and vehicle diagnosis method

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

In an external diagnosis device, a vehicle diagnosis method and a vehicle diagnosis system, when an IGSW is on, power is supplied from a vehicle-mounted power supply to the external diagnosis device, and a capacitor provided on the external diagnosis device is charged, and when the IGSW is turned off, the power supply from the vehicle-mounted power supply to the external diagnosis device is stopped, and power is supplied from the capacitor to the external diagnosis device.