Vehicle Locking Control with Dual Boost Stages for Emergency Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of series-connected capacitors in energy storage arrangements for motor vehicle locking systems increases space requirements and manufacturing costs, and requires a balancing circuit, leading to a complex design.

Innovation Solution

A control arrangement with a main boost stage connected downstream of the energy storage device, supplemented by a secondary boost stage that raises the energy storage voltage to a threshold level required for the main boost stage, allowing the use of a single capacitor and reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If series-connected capacitors are used in the energy storage arrangement, then the emergency supply voltage can be achieved, but the space requirements and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency power supply capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the capacitor from a fixed value to a variable value through the boosting stage. By using a single capacitor with voltage boosting instead of multiple series-connected capacitors, the system achieves the same emergency supply voltage while reducing space requirements. The boosting stage transforms the capacitor voltage dynamically to meet different voltage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If series-connected capacitors are used in the energy storage arrangement, then the emergency supply voltage can be achieved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency power supply capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a boosting stage to change the voltage parameter of a single capacitor, replacing the need for multiple series-connected capacitors. This parameter transformation approach reduces the number of components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the same emergency power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If series-connected capacitors are used in the energy storage arrangement, then the emergency supply voltage can be achieved, but the control circuit design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency power supply capabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a boosting stage that dynamically changes the capacitor voltage parameter to achieve the required emergency supply voltage. This approach replaces the need for complex balancing circuits and voltage distribution management required by series-connected capacitors, thereby simplifying the control circuit design while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach optimizes the boosting process, reduces space and manufacturing costs, and simplifies the design while ensuring reliable emergency power supply to the motor vehicle locking system.

Implementation Method 1

a main boost stage (11) connected downstream of the energy storage device (10), wherein the energy storage voltage (10) is applied to one input of the main boost stage (11) in emergency operation and the main boost stage (11) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to the emergency supply voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a secondary boost stage (12) connected downstream of the energy storage device (10) and upstream of the main boosting stage (11) in such a way that the secondary boost stage (12) increases the energy storage voltage (10) to at least a threshold voltage of the main boosting stage (11) intended for starting the main boosting stage (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4381158B1Control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4381158B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4381158B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a control arrangement (1) for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2) comprising an electric drive (3), wherein: during normal operation, the electric drive (3) is fed by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorised locking function for an adjustable closure element (5); the control arrangement (1) has an energy storage arrangement (8) having at least one energy store (10) designed as a capacitor (9); the energy storage arrangement (8) provides an energy storage voltage (10) during emergency operation; a main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10); and the energy storage voltage (10) is applied to an input of the main boost stage (11) during emergency operation and the main boost stage (11) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to the emergency supply voltage. According to the invention, an auxiliary boost stage (12) is also connected downstream of the energy store (10) and can be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) in such a way that the auxiliary boost stage (12) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to at least a threshold voltage of the main boost stage (11) provided to start up the main boost stage (11).