Centralized Boost Converter for Distributed Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of lighting functions and modules in motor vehicles leads to significant volume restrictions and weight due to the use of multiple Boost-Buck converters, which occupy large space on printed circuits and require numerous electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A distributed electric power supply system with a central module that converts input voltage for all lighting modules, incorporating data transmission/reception means and Buck/Boost converters, allowing selective activation of lighting modules and light sources, and enabling communication through LIN or CAN data buses for centralized control and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple Boost-Buck converters are used for each lighting module, then each module has dedicated power supply control, but the system occupies large space and has significant volume restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual Boost-Buck converters into a single centralized converter that serves multiple lighting modules. This consolidation reduces the total volume occupied on the printed circuit while maintaining dedicated power supply control for each module through separate control channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized converter is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different lighting modules with varying power requirements. It can selectively power different modules based on control signals, making a single device universal for multiple lighting functions.
2Reliability
If multiple Boost-Buck converters are used for each lighting module, then each module has dedicated power supply control, but the system requires a large number of electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply control functions into a single centralized converter unit, thereby reducing the number of separate electrical connections required. The centralized design consolidates power delivery pathways while maintaining individual module control through a reduced connection interface.
3Volume of moving object
If a centralized converter is used for all lighting modules, then volume and weight are reduced, but selective activation and control of individual modules becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into a centralized power conversion unit and distributed module control units. Each lighting module has its own control circuit that can independently respond to activation signals, allowing selective activation while maintaining a compact centralized converter design.
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 volume and weight by using a centralized converter and data communication, allowing efficient power distribution and control of multiple lighting modules, while enabling centralized command and fault management, thus optimizing space and weight usage.
Implementation Method 1
a central module comprising an electric voltage converter unit configured for converting an input electric voltage into an output electric voltage
Implementation Method 2
light sources based on light-emitting semiconductor components, for example light emitting diodes, LED. An LED component emits light rays when a voltage having a value at least equal to a threshold value called the forward voltage is applied across its terminals
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply system using a single converter of the Boost type for supplying a plurality of lighting modules of a motor vehicle with electric voltage. Each module comprises a dedicated converter of the Buck type in order to ensure the regulation of the electric current in such a way as to meet the needs of the light sources of the lighting module in question. A communication network which connects the centralized unit and the lighting modules makes it possible to ensure the control of the modules and the detection of faults, as well as to notify the latter to other devices of the motor vehicle.