Dual Energy Storage Power Switching for Driverless Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack sufficient redundancy in their power systems, particularly in steering mechanisms, which can lead to safety risks in the event of a fault, especially in autonomous or driverless vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual energy storage system where a first energy storage charges a second energy storage, both configured to power an electrically powered actuator, with a controller detecting faults and switching to the second energy storage to ensure safe operation, even in the event of a failure in the primary system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single energy storage system is used to power the motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent energy storage systems (first and second energy storages), each capable of independently powering the motor. This segmentation provides redundancy so that if one energy storage fails, the other can continue to operate the motor, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup energy storage (the second energy storage) that is charged in advance during normal operation. When a fault occurs in the primary energy storage, the pre-charged backup energy storage immediately takes over, cushioning against the failure and ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
2Reliability
If a dual energy storage system is implemented, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller merges the control of two energy storage systems into a unified power management architecture. The controller monitors both energy storages and automatically manages power distribution, fault detection, and switching between them, thereby achieving high reliability through redundancy while centralizing control to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Both energy storage systems are designed with universal compatibility to power the same motor and control system. The controller can draw power from either energy storage independently, and the system can operate normally with either one, providing multi-functionality and redundancy without requiring separate control pathways for each energy storage.
3Reliability
If the first energy storage continuously charges the second energy storage, then the redundancy is enhanced, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to continuous charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous charging, the system employs periodic charging actions where the controller monitors the charge states of both energy storages and activates charging only when needed. The first energy storage charges the second energy storage periodically or conditionally (e.g., when the second energy storage drops below a threshold), reducing unnecessary energy losses while maintaining adequate redundancy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback monitoring of the charge states of both energy storages. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently decides when charging is necessary, optimizing the charging schedule to maintain redundancy while minimizing energy losses from continuous or unnecessary charging cycles.
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
Enhances safety by providing redundancy in power delivery, allowing vehicles to safely stop or continue operating with reduced capabilities in case of a fault, thereby preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second energy storages being configured to store energy in the form of electrical charge
Implementation Method 2
a motor which is part of an electromechanical steering arrangement... the first and second energy storages being configured to power the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power management arrangement for a vehicular function, including a first energy storage and a second energy storage, the first energy storage being configured to charge the second energy storage, the first and second energy storages being configured to store energy in the form of electrical charge, at least one controller, and a connector configured to connect to a motor of an electrically powered actuator, the first and second energy storages being configured to power the motor via the connector.