eCall Backup Battery Discharge Control via GPS Sales Area Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eCall systems for vehicles do not effectively prevent the backup battery from discharging during transportation, leading to potential failure in emergency situations due to unnecessary battery depletion before the vehicle is sold, as they lack the ability to monitor and manage battery power when the main battery is separated from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a GPS, microcomputer, and sales area information storage to determine the vehicle's location and control the backup battery's operational state, ensuring it remains inactive until the vehicle reaches its final sales destination, thereby preventing unnecessary discharge by selectively switching between the main and backup batteries based on location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup battery is kept active to ensure eCall system operation, then the system reliability is improved, but the backup battery discharges during transportation leading to unnecessary power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the backup battery's operational state based on vehicle location. When the vehicle is detected to be in a sales area through GPS positioning, the backup battery is activated to ensure eCall functionality. During transportation outside sales areas, the backup battery remains inactive to prevent unnecessary discharge. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining system reliability and preventing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcomputer acts as an intermediary controller that manages the backup battery's operational state. It receives location information from the GPS module, determines whether the vehicle is in a sales area, and accordingly controls the power supply manager to activate or deactivate the backup battery. This intermediary control mechanism enables intelligent decision-making that balances reliability requirements with energy conservation.
2Reliability
If the main battery is separated during transportation to prevent discharge, then the main battery reliability is improved, but the backup battery cannot be monitored and may discharge unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operational state through the GPS module and microcomputer. Even when the main battery is separated, the backup battery-powered GPS and microcomputer can independently determine vehicle location and control the backup battery's operational state without external intervention. This self-service capability ensures both reliability during transportation and proper operational control.
3Productivity
If the backup battery operates continuously to ensure emergency call functionality, then the system availability is improved, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to premature discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different operational conditions for the backup battery based on location. In sales areas where the vehicle is stationary and ready for delivery, the backup battery is activated to ensure eCall availability. During transportation outside sales areas, the backup battery remains dormant to preserve its lifespan. This location-based quality differentiation optimizes both system availability and battery durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preventing an eCall system backup battery for a vehicle from discharging is provided. The device includes a GPS configured to provide current position information of the vehicle in which an eCall system is mounted. A sales area information storage is configured to form and store the GPS information on all sales areas as a sales area information database. A microcomputer is configured to determine whether the vehicle is located within a sales area which is a final destination by using the information acquired from the GPS module and the sales area information storage and to control whether the backup battery operates depending on the determination result. A power supply manager is configured to select and manage any one of a main battery and the backup battery as supply power of the eCall system by a control of the microcomputer.