Inverter Controller Power Optimization Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid and electric vehicles, shared electrical power connectors lead to inefficiencies and premature component deterioration due to unnecessary power consumption when components are not in use, as they are powered simultaneously, hindering selective activation and causing power consumption inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An inverter system controller with logic circuitry that differentiates between ignition and wake-up signals to manage power flow to the gate drive board and resolver-to-digital converter, allowing selective activation of components like the PTC heater and electric A/C, preventing unnecessary power consumption by inhibiting power flow when the ignition is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shared electrical power connectors are used to power multiple components simultaneously, then all components receive power at the same time, but this causes unnecessary power consumption and premature component deterioration when components are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system by introducing a power controller that can independently control power flow to different components (gate drive board, resolver-to-digital converter, PTC heater, electric A/C) through shared electrical power connectors. The controller receives ignition signals and wake-up signals to determine which components should be powered, enabling selective activation rather than simultaneous powering of all components. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing ease of selective operation while preventing unnecessary power consumption.
2Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to all components through shared connectors, then components remain ready for immediate operation, but this leads to premature component deterioration and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the power controller monitor and respond to ignition signals and wake-up signals before components are actually needed. When an ignition signal is detected, the controller proactively enables power flow to required components in advance, ensuring they are ready for immediate operation. When only wake-up signals are present (vehicle off), the controller prevents power flow to non-essential components, thereby extending their lifespan without compromising reliability when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If logic circuitry differentiates between ignition and wake-up signals to control power flow, then power consumption is optimized, but this increases controller complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional power controller that handles multiple tasks: receiving and differentiating between ignition signals and wake-up signals, determining which components require power based on signal type, controlling power flow to multiple different components (gate drive board, resolver-to-digital converter, PTC heater, electric A/C), and optimizing power consumption. This single multi-functional device resolves the contradiction by consolidating complexity into one controller that provides both signal differentiation capability and power optimization without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter for a vehicle includes a power controller and gate drive board (GDB) electrically in series, the controller including logic circuitry configured to, responsive to presence of an ignition signal, permit flow of low voltage power through the controller to the GDB to activate the GDB, and responsive to presence of a wake-up signal, but not the ignition signal, prevent flow of low voltage power through the controller to the GDB.