DC-DC Converter Control Device for Balanced Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The persistent use of a single DC-DC converter can lead to premature faults due to poorly balanced stress distribution, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines and switches between multiple DC-DC converters based on predetermined conditions, such as temperature, to ensure balanced utilization and prevent premature faults, by prioritizing power supply and managing voltage values to maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single DC-DC converter is used persistently, then the system structure is simple, but the stress distribution becomes unbalanced leading to premature faults

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter configurationVSAvoidconverter reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple DC-DC converters (first DC-DC converter and second DC-DC converter) that can operate independently or in combination. The control device segments the power supply task by switching between converters based on temperature conditions, preventing any single converter from bearing excessive stress continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between the first and second DC-DC converters based on real-time temperature monitoring. When the first converter's temperature exceeds a threshold, the system switches to the second converter, and vice versa. This dynamic adaptation balances stress distribution and prevents premature faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple DC-DC converters are used, then the stress distribution is balanced improving reliability, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device incorporates temperature sensing and feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the temperature of each DC-DC converter. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically switches between converters when temperature thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring temperatures and switching between converters without external intervention. The system self-regulates the power supply configuration based on internal temperature conditions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If frequent switching between converters occurs, then stress distribution improves, but system stability deteriorates due to hunting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress distributionVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary temperature assessment before switching converters. By monitoring temperature trends and only switching when thresholds are clearly exceeded, the system avoids unnecessary frequent switching. This preliminary action prevents hunting while maintaining balanced stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device incorporates temperature thresholds that act as cushioning buffers before triggering a switch. Instead of switching at every minor temperature fluctuation, the system waits for temperature to exceed a predetermined threshold, providing a cushion against premature or unnecessary switching and maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11654845B2Control device, vehicle, control method, and storage medium storing a control program
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11654845B2 patent drawing
  • US11654845B2 patent drawing
  • US11654845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control device to control a first DC-DC converter and a second DC-DC converter that supply power to equipment, the control device comprising a processor configured to: determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied; and in a case in which a predetermined condition is determined to be satisfied, perform control to switch which of the DC-DC converters is prioritized for power supply to the equipment.