Distributed Power Distribution Architecture Without Relay Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automotive power distribution systems face issues of complex structure, high failure rate due to mechanical relays and fuse wires, susceptibility to interference, low intelligence, and inability to meet the increasing complexity and intelligence demands of modern automobile electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-level power supply protection architecture comprising a main control unit and subsidiary control units, utilizing electronic switch tubes and fuses for protection, eliminating the need for traditional electrical boxes and separate power lines, and enabling intelligent power management through network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical box with relays and fuse wires is used for power distribution, then power logic control and safety management can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power distribution and protection functions from the traditional electrical box and relocates them to distributed control units (ECUs). Each ECU independently manages its own power supply with integrated protection circuits, eliminating the need for a centralized electrical box with numerous relays and fuse wires. This extraction reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliability through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relays and fuse wires with electronic control circuits and semiconductor-based protection devices. The electronic control units use solid-state components and software-based logic control to replace mechanical switching and thermal-magnetic protection, thereby reducing mechanical wear and failure rates while simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If separate power lines with fuse wires are used for each electrical device, then safety protection is provided, but the system becomes more complex and fuse wires are prone to disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate power lines and their associated protection devices into integrated power management modules within each ECU. Instead of having independent fuse wires for each device, the protection functions are consolidated into electronic control circuits that can manage power distribution dynamically, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the power line configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical fuse wires with electronic protection circuits that use semiconductor devices and software-based over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit protection. These electronic systems provide equivalent or superior safety without the mechanical disconnection issues and structural complexity of traditional fuse wire arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If electrical box is used to supply power to multiple branches, then power distribution is achieved, but interference on one power line can be transmitted to other power lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized power distribution system into multiple independent ECU-based power management units. Each ECU manages its own power supply independently, creating electrical isolation between different power branches. This segmentation prevents interference on one power line from affecting other lines, as each ECU has its dedicated power input and protection circuits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power distribution system is used, then basic power supply is provided, but it lacks intelligence and cannot meet future automobile power system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management capabilities in each ECU, allowing real-time monitoring and control of power consumption, voltage, and current. The system can dynamically adjust power distribution, implement wake-up and sleep modes, and respond to changing operational requirements, providing the adaptability needed for future automobile power systems with varying functionality and intelligence levels.
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
Simplifies design and production, reduces copper consumption and vehicle weight, enhances reliability and stability, and supports intelligent power distribution with priority settings.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electronic switch tubes and fuses for protection
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electronic switch tubes and fuses for protection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a power distribution system, including a system power supply, a main control unit, a power line and a number of subsidiary control units. The main control unit comprises a main controller and a main power circuit protection device connected to the main controller. The input end of the main power circuit protection device is connected to the power output end of the system power supply, and the output end of the main power circuit protection device is connected to an end of the power line. Each subsidiary control unit comprises a subsidiary controller and a subsidiary power circuit protection device connected to the subsidiary controller. The input end of the subsidiary power circuit protection device is connected in parallel to the power line, and the output end of the subsidiary power circuit protection device is connected to the electrical device.