Vehicle Hood Solar Cell Switching for Pedestrian Shock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell systems on vehicles do not adequately protect pedestrians from electric shock during collisions, as the solar cells can be damaged and expose active portions that may come into contact with pedestrians or the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell system that includes a controller to switch the electrical connection between the solar cell and the DC/DC converter based on the vehicle's traveling speed and the presence of precipitation, ensuring that the solar cell is disconnected from the power circuit when there is a risk of collision with a pedestrian.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar cell is electrically connected to the power circuit during vehicle operation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the risk of electric shock to pedestrians during collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell system dynamically switches its electrical connection state based on vehicle operating conditions. The controller monitors vehicle speed and precipitation conditions, and automatically connects or disconnects the solar cell from the power circuit accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize power generation during safe conditions while preventing electric shock hazards during high-risk situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical connection parameter of the solar cell based on detected environmental and operational parameters. When vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold or precipitation is detected, the controller changes the connection state from connected to disconnected, thereby altering the electrical parameters to eliminate the harmful effect while maintaining power generation capability when safe.
2Reliability
If the solar cell is disconnected from the power circuit during high-risk situations, then pedestrian safety is improved, but power generation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control to switch between connected and disconnected states based on real-time assessment of safety conditions. The controller continuously monitors vehicle speed and precipitation, and only disconnects the solar cell when necessary safety thresholds are exceeded, thereby maintaining power generation efficiency during normal operation while ensuring safety when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the electrical connection parameter only when specific safety-critical conditions are met (vehicle speed exceeding threshold or precipitation detected). This selective parameter change ensures that the solar cell remains connected and productive during safe conditions, while being disconnected only when safety risks are present, thus minimizing the impact on overall power generation efficiency.
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 system effectively prevents electric shocks to pedestrians by disconnecting the solar cell from the power circuit during high-risk situations, while also ensuring efficient power generation under safe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar cell provided on a hood of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a solar cell system includes a first solar cell, a first electric circuit and controller. The first solar cell is provided on a hood of a vehicle. The first electric circuit is connected to the first solar cell. The controller is configured to electrically connect the first solar cell with the first electric circuit in a case where a traveling speed of the vehicle is less than a first threshold, and electrically disconnect the first solar cell from the first electric circuit in a case where the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the first threshold.