Hybrid Vehicle Sub-Battery Abnormality Control via Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in protecting the sub-battery from overcharging and damage when an abnormality is detected, as existing systems may inhibit travel if the HEV traveling mode is disabled, compromising vehicle functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
The electric power supply system includes a control apparatus that switches between HEV and EV traveling modes, disabling HEV mode and enabling EV mode when a sub-battery abnormality is detected, preventing overcharging and allowing continued vehicle operation while protecting the sub-battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HEV traveling mode is disabled when sub-battery abnormality is detected, then the sub-battery is protected from overcharging, but the vehicle loses the ability to switch between traveling modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sub-battery protection function from the normal control flow by implementing a dedicated abnormality detection mechanism. When abnormality is detected, the system isolates the sub-battery charging function while preserving the overall vehicle operation, allowing the HEV mode to remain disabled as a protective measure without compromising the main battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary between the abnormality detection and the traveling mode selection. It mediates by receiving abnormality signals, determining the appropriate response (disabling HEV mode), and communicating this state to the traveling mode selection logic, thereby protecting the sub-battery while maintaining systematic control.
2Reliability
If the HEV traveling mode is disabled when sub-battery abnormality is detected, then overcharging is prevented, but the vehicle functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sub-battery abnormality into a beneficial control state by automatically disabling the HEV traveling mode. This transformation ensures that the abnormality condition triggers a protective response that prevents further damage while maintaining vehicle operability in EV mode, turning a potential failure into a safe operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary anti-action by proactively disabling the HEV traveling mode before the sub-battery can be further damaged. The control apparatus detects abnormality early and preemptively prevents overcharging by restricting the traveling mode, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of continued charging in an abnormal state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-battery is continuously charged in HEV mode despite abnormality, then the traveling mode switching is maintained, but the sub-battery suffers damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control apparatus continuously monitors sub-battery status and receives abnormality signals. When abnormality is detected, the system provides feedback by disabling the HEV traveling mode, creating a closed-loop control that prevents further charging in the abnormal state and protects the sub-battery from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by preparing the control logic to respond to sub-battery abnormality before damage occurs. The control apparatus is pre-configured to detect abnormality signals and automatically disable HEV mode, cushioning the sub-battery against further damage by preventing continued charging in the abnormal state.
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
This solution ensures the sub-battery is protected from overcharging, maintains vehicle travel capability, and alerts the driver to potential sub-battery issues, enhancing safety and convenience by preventing unnecessary mode switches during travel.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power generator, configured to generate electric power upon receiving motive power outputted from the engine
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply system is to be included in a hybrid electric vehicle that is provided with a driving motor and an engine and is configured to switch between an HEV traveling mode of traveling by causing both the driving motor and the engine to operate and an EV traveling mode of stopping the engine and traveling with motive power of the driving motor. The electric power supply system includes a main battery, an electric power generator, a sub-battery, and a control apparatus. The main battery supplies electric power to the driving motor. The electric power generator generates electric power upon receiving motive power outputted from the engine. The sub-battery is charged with the electric power generated by the electric power generator. If an abnormality is diagnosed as being present in the sub-battery, the control apparatus disables the HEV traveling mode and enables the EV traveling mode.