Delta Switch Layout for Redundant Vehicle Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical distribution systems in vehicles, especially those with high autonomous driving capabilities, face challenges in maintaining redundant power supply paths without increasing costs, as failures in switches can lead to open supply paths, and doubling switches to achieve redundancy is costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a delta-switch layout with three independently controllable switches arranged in a delta configuration, allowing for alternative distribution paths and redundant connections, which can divert power around failed components without the need for additional switches, and using smart FETs for bi-directional current monitoring and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant switches are added to ensure continuous power supply, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch functions into a single switch arrangement where one switch controls multiple distribution paths. This consolidation maintains redundant power supply capability while reducing the total number of switches required, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can selectively connect different power supplies to different loads through multiple paths. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain redundant power supply capabilities while using fewer components, addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Device complexity
If switches are arranged in series for power distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but system reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear series arrangement to a multi-dimensional network topology where power can flow through multiple paths simultaneously. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain simple switch control while achieving redundancy through parallel distribution paths, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
3Reliability
If additional switches are added to create alternative distribution paths, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into a single integrated switch arrangement, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. This merging approach maintains alternative distribution paths for reliability while minimizing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby controlling manufacturing costs
Data Source
AI summary
A switch arrangement for providing alternative distribution paths in a system for distributing electrical power in a vehicle including electrical power supplies and electrical loads. The switch arrangement includes a first switch adapted to be connected to a first electrical element, a second switch adapted to be connected to the first electrical element and a second electrical element, and a third switch adapted to be connected to the electrical element and a third electrical element. Each of the first, second, and third switches is independently controllable, and selective operation of each of the first, second, and third switches to its open or closed state interconnects at least two of the first, second, and third electrical elements to establish one of multiple alternative distribution paths to connect one of the power supplies and one of the loads or to connect two of the power supplies.