Electronic Switch Network for Motor Vehicle Voltage Drop Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional starting systems in vehicles with internal combustion engines cause significant voltage drops during engine startup, affecting electrical consumers and leading to temporary disruptions in critical systems like engine control and airbag devices, and result in irreversible disconnection of battery lines after a crash, making it impossible to restart the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An electronic switch network with three switch elements, allowing flexible connection and disconnection of generator-battery and starter-battery lines, providing a starting current limiting system to manage voltage drops and ensure safety functions during crashes, while minimizing power loss and enabling flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a starter is used to start the internal combustion engine, then the engine can be started, but the battery voltage drops significantly during the starting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device between the battery and the starter. The capacitor is charged during normal operation and then discharges to support the starter during engine starting, thereby reducing the voltage drop on the battery while still enabling reliable engine starting.
2Loss of energy
If conventional buffer capacitors are used to compensate the first voltage drop, then the initial voltage drop is compensated, but the second voltage drop cannot be absorbed and control devices drop out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of capacitor capacity by using a larger capacitor (or capacitor bank) that is specifically sized to handle both the initial voltage drop during starting and the subsequent voltage drop after starting. This parameter change allows the capacitor to maintain voltage levels above 9V throughout the entire starting process, preventing control devices from dropping out.
3Reliability
If a pyrotechnic switch is used to disconnect battery lines in a crash, then safety functions are maintained, but the vehicle cannot be restarted and the safety components must be completely replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the irreversible pyrotechnic switch with a reversible electronic switch that can be dynamically controlled. In normal operation, the switch connects the battery to the vehicle systems. In the event of a crash, the switch can be opened to disconnect safety-critical components while maintaining the ability to close again, allowing the vehicle to be restarted and repaired without complete component replacement.
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 electronic switch network effectively limits voltage drops during engine startup, maintains essential electrical functions, and allows for safe disconnection of battery lines in crashes, enabling the vehicle to be restarted after such events.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive load of said starter is of low resistance and a very high current flows from the battery via the starter. The inductance of the starter virtually forms a short circuit at the moment of starting.
Implementation Method 2
The switch elements can be opened or closed by means of a corresponding control pulse from a control device.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic switch in motor vehicles comprising a switch network having an input, a first output and a second output and a first switch element arranged between the first output and the second output, a second switch element arranged between the input and the first output, and a third switch element arranged between the input and the second output. Starting switch-on current limitation is enabled if the input can be electrically connected to a battery pole, the first output can be connected to a generator-battery line, and the second output can be connected to a starter-battery line.