Power supply control apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply control apparatuses for vehicle seat heating wires require a temperature detection unit to be disposed in close proximity, restricting the arrangement of connection lines.

Innovation Solution

A power supply control apparatus that calculates the temperature of the electrical heating wire based on current detection, eliminating the need for a temperature detection unit in close proximity by using a current detection unit, a switch, a processing unit, and a switching unit to control power supply based on calculated temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature detection unit is disposed in the vicinity of the electrical heating wire to directly detect temperature, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but the arrangement flexibility of connection lines deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidarrangement flexibility of connection lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the direct temperature detection approach with an indirect calculation method. Instead of using a temperature detection unit physically connected to the heating wire, the system calculates temperature based on current detection data and thermal characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for direct physical connection while maintaining temperature control capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and arrangement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces current detection units and a processing unit as intermediaries between the heating wire and the control system. Rather than directly measuring temperature at the heating wire location, the system measures current flow and uses processing units to calculate temperature based on thermal models. This intermediary approach allows temperature monitoring without requiring direct physical attachment to the heating wire, improving arrangement flexibility while maintaining control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a temperature detection unit is disposed in the vicinity of the electrical heating wire, then real-time temperature monitoring is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time temperature monitoringVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex temperature detection hardware with a simplified calculation-based system. Instead of installing temperature sensors in direct contact with the heating wire, the system uses existing current detection units combined with processing algorithms to monitor temperature in real-time. This substitution reduces the number of physical components required while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own current detection and processing capabilities to derive temperature information without requiring separate temperature sensing hardware. The processing unit leverages the electrical characteristics already being measured (current flow) and applies thermal models to self-determine temperature, eliminating the need for additional dedicated temperature detection components and simplifying the overall system.

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

Enables accurate temperature calculation and control of the electrical heating wire without the need for a temperature detection unit in close proximity, allowing for flexible arrangement of connection lines and efficient power management.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical heating wire 30... a current that flows from a DC power source to the electrical heating wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12596391B2Power supply control apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.07 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US12596391B2 patent drawing
  • US12596391B2 patent drawing
  • US12596391B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A heater drive apparatus functions as a power supply control apparatus, and controls power supply to an electrical heating wire. In the heater drive apparatus, a current output circuit and a detection resistor function as a current detection unit, and detect a current flowing through the electrical heating wire. A microcomputer repeatedly calculates an electrical heating wire temperature relating to the electrical heating wire based on the detected current. A drive circuit functions as a switching unit, and switches a switch on or off in accordance with the calculated electrical heating wire temperature.