Dual Processing Unit Activation for Low-Battery Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control units in motor vehicles continue to draw power from the battery when the vehicle is parked, leading to excessive battery drainage, and existing solutions fail to quickly activate these units efficiently when needed.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a first processing unit (activation unit) that has low energy consumption and can quickly activate a second processing unit (main processing unit) by providing power and taking over time-critical functionalities until the main unit is operational, then transitioning to an idle mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If control units are kept connected to the motor vehicle battery to ensure quick activation, then activation speed is improved, but energy consumption increases causing excessive battery drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is divided into two processing units: a first processing unit that remains active with low power consumption to handle activation tasks, and a second processing unit that can be completely switched off to save energy but can be quickly activated when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain quick activation capability while dramatically reducing standby power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processing unit performs preliminary actions by maintaining a ready state with essential activation functionality before the second processing unit needs to be activated. This allows the second processing unit to be completely powered down while the first processing unit remains prepared to quickly activate it when an activation condition is detected.
2Loss of time
If the first processing unit takes over time-critical functionalities during startup, then activation time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is segmented into a first processing unit for activation and monitoring tasks, and a second processing unit for main functionality. The first processing unit is designed with simplified architecture focused only on activation capabilities, while the second processing unit handles complex processing tasks. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on each individual unit while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processing unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the second processing unit. It manages the activation process, provides power to the second processing unit when needed, and handles time-critical functionalities during startup. This intermediary role allows the second processing unit to be completely powered down while ensuring quick and controlled activation when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device that includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit that are connected to one another in a data-transmitting manner. The first processing unit, upon recognition that an activation condition is present, is configured to determine whether the activation condition requires an activation of the second processing unit, and when the activation condition requires the activation of the second processing unit, to activate the second processing unit and to output an activation signal, including the activation condition, on an activation line. Also, a network that includes at least two such computing devices, and a method for activating a second processing unit of a computing device that includes a first processing unit and the second processing unit, which are connected to one another in a data-transmitting manner, are also described.