Door Latch Motor Power Supply with Boosted Backup Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door lock systems face instability in motor operation due to fluctuations in battery voltage, as the motor relies solely on battery power and lacks a stable backup power supply.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle power supply device with a backup power supply, a boost unit, and a motor drive unit that selects the higher voltage source, and a control unit to boost the backup power supply voltage when predetermined conditions are met, ensuring stable motor operation regardless of battery voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the motor operates solely on battery power, then the system structure is simple, but the motor operation becomes unstable when battery voltage fluctuates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor operation stabilityVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup power supply is charged in advance from the battery during normal operation, so that when voltage fluctuation occurs, the motor can immediately switch to using the pre-charged backup power supply without interruption, ensuring stable motor operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage comparison circuit acts as an intermediary that continuously monitors both the battery voltage and backup power supply voltage, automatically selecting the higher voltage source to supply the motor, thereby ensuring stable motor operation without complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a backup power supply is provided, then motor operation stability improves during battery voltage fluctuation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor operation stabilityVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage comparison circuit serves as a simple intermediary device that automatically compares voltages and directs power flow without requiring complex electronic control systems, achieving reliable motor operation with minimal added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors voltage levels and switches power sources without external intervention - the backup power supply charges itself from the battery when voltage is high, and the voltage comparison circuit autonomously selects the appropriate power source, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution ensures stable operation of the electric motor by boosting the backup power supply voltage when necessary, reducing power consumption and maintaining motor functionality even during battery voltage fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a boost unit that boosts a voltage of the backup power supply to a boosted voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240383422A1Vehicle power supply device and door latch device
Publication Date: 2024.11.21 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • US20240383422A1 patent drawing
  • US20240383422A1 patent drawing
  • US20240383422A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle power supply device includes a backup power supply to which power is supplied from a battery mounted in the vehicle, a boost unit that boosts a voltage of the backup power supply to a boost voltage, a motor drive unit that is connected to the battery and the boost unit and is capable of driving an electric motor by being supplied with power from either the battery or the boost unit, whichever has a higher voltage, and a control unit that controls operation of the boost unit. When it is determined that a predetermined boost condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the boost unit to boost the voltage of the backup power supply to a voltage higher than a rated voltage of the battery.