DC/DC Converter Voltage Protection for Motor Vehicle Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems in motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining stable voltage levels for sensitive loads, leading to energy losses and limitations in vehicle battery life due to tolerances in components, which result in expensive and heavy cable harnesses and restricted operational windows.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a DC/DC converter in parallel with a diode, where the voltage level on the electrical load is fed back to the DC/DC converter to continuously compensate for voltage losses, eliminating the need to consider intermediate component losses, and ensuring reliable voltage protection without excessive current flow or component failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical distribution systems with tolerances are used, then system design is simplified, but voltage stability deteriorates and operational window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the DC/DC converter continuously monitors the voltage level at the electrical load and adjusts its operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability by compensating for variations in real-time, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by using intelligent control rather than oversizing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static electrical distribution system with fixed tolerances to a dynamic system where the DC/DC converter actively adjusts voltage output based on real-time load conditions. This dynamic adaptation expands the operational window and maintains voltage stability without requiring excessive margin in component specifications.
2Reliability
If voltage raising operation is maintained to protect sensitive loads, then voltage stability improves, but energy loss increases and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter uses feedback from voltage sensors at the load to determine when voltage compensation is actually needed. Instead of continuously raising voltage, the system only activates voltage correction when the load voltage falls below the threshold, significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining protection for sensitive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage conversion ratio of the DC/DC converter based on actual load conditions rather than maintaining a fixed voltage raising operation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to provide voltage protection only when necessary, minimizing energy losses during normal operation while ensuring load protection when voltage drops occur.
3Device complexity
If DC/DC converter is used without diode protection, then device complexity reduces, but reliability deteriorates due to potential converter failure
Solution Approach 1:
The diode is installed in advance as a protective measure against potential DC/DC converter failure. If the converter malfunctions or stops operating, the diode automatically allows current to flow from the battery to the load, preventing system failure. This prior cushioning approach adds minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability through automatic backup protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The diode acts as an intermediary protective component between the battery and the load. It normally remains inactive but activates automatically when the DC/DC converter fails, providing a simple yet effective backup path for current flow that ensures continuous load operation without requiring complex control systems.
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 setup reduces energy losses, minimizes the impact on fuel consumption, and expands the operational window by directly controlling the DC/DC converter based on the load's voltage level, ensuring stable power delivery to critical components even if the DC/DC converter malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
arranging a DC/DC converter (5) to receive as a control signal the voltage level on an electrical load (3) to be protected
Implementation Method 2
arranged in a feed line (7) to the electrical load (3) to be protected in parallel with a diode (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates a method and arrangement (1) for voltage protection of an electrical load (3) in a motor vehicle. A DC/DC converter (5) is arranged to receive as a control signal the voltage level on an electrical load (3) to be protected. The DC/DC converter (5) is arranged in a feed line (7) to the electrical load (3) to be protected in parallel with a diode (4). A battery (2) voltage of the vehicle is feed to an input of the DC/DC converter (5) and to the anode of the diode (4). The electrical load (3) to be protected is fed from the output of the DC/DC converter (5) and the cathode side of the diode (4).