Idling Stop Device Voltage Detection and Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing idling stop systems fail to effectively detect and respond to decreased battery voltage after a microcomputer reset, leading to failed engine starts and unnoticed battery deterioration, which can result in continuous use of a deteriorated battery.
Innovation Solution
An idling stop device equipped with a detecting unit, storage unit, and power control unit that stores voltage decrease information even when the microcomputer is reset, allowing it to prevent battery voltage drops during engine starts and notify users of battery deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the microcomputer monitors battery voltage during engine start, then battery voltage decrease can be detected, but the microcomputer is reset when voltage drops below operating threshold, causing loss of detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated voltage detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the battery and the microcomputer. This circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and stores detection results in a separate storage unit, allowing the system to detect voltage drops without requiring the microcomputer to remain operational. The detection circuit operates independently and can trigger warnings or control actions based on stored voltage data.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage detection circuit performs preliminary monitoring and stores voltage information before the microcomputer might be reset. By continuously detecting and storing voltage data in advance, the system ensures that voltage decrease information is available even if the microcomputer loses power or is reset during critical moments.
2Ease of operation
If power is supplied to electrical loads during engine start, then normal vehicle operations can proceed, but battery voltage is significantly decreased, preventing successful engine start
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of battery voltage before engine start and stores this information. Based on the stored voltage data, the control unit can determine whether the battery has sufficient power to support both the starter motor and electrical loads, allowing proactive management of power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control unit dynamically adjusts the supply of power to electrical loads based on stored voltage detection information. When voltage is sufficient, normal power supply is maintained; when voltage is low, power to non-essential loads is reduced or interrupted to ensure successful engine starting.
3Ease of operation
If the microcomputer is reset due to low voltage, then it cannot notify the user of battery deterioration, but continuous use of deteriorated battery is prevented by external detection
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detection circuit and storage unit serve as an intermediary that preserves battery status information independently of the microcomputer's operational state. This intermediary system can trigger user notifications through alternative means (such as separate warning indicators) when voltage decreases are detected, ensuring user awareness even when the main microcomputer is reset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the storage unit that retains voltage decrease information and enables user notification. When the microcomputer is restored or through independent detection circuits, the stored information provides feedback about battery condition, allowing users to be notified of deterioration and take appropriate action.
Data Source
AI summary
An idling stop device is mounted on a vehicle. A microcomputer has an idling stop function of automatically stopping an engine of the vehicle when a predetermined stop condition is established and automatically starting the engine when a predetermined start condition is established during the stopping of the engine. A detecting unit detects that a power voltage of the microcomputer, which is obtained by dropping a voltage of a battery of the vehicle is lower than a minimal operation voltage of the microcomputer. A storage unit stores voltage decrease information irrespective of a state of the microcomputer if the power voltage is lower than the minimal operation voltage. A power control unit stops supply of power to some of electrical loads to which power is supplied from the battery when the engine is started, if the voltage decrease information is stored in the storage unit.