Microcontroller Reset Delay Module for Relay Control Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sudden loss of power in electric vehicles due to unexpected microcontroller resets in relay control systems poses a safety risk, as it can lead to unpredictable relay states and potential disconnection of power supply.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and power supply system that includes a microcontroller, an auxiliary circuit, and a delay module, where the auxiliary circuit outputs a closing control signal to the logical circuit, ensuring the relay remains closed during a microcontroller reset by enabling the delay module to output the closing control signal within a preset delay time greater than or equal to the reset time, preventing sudden power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the microcontroller is reset during normal operation, then the control signal may be lost and the relay state becomes unpredictable, but adding a delay module and auxiliary circuit increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay control stabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delay module is pre-configured with a preset delay time that is greater than or equal to the microcontroller reset time. When the microcontroller resets, the delay module automatically maintains the closing control signal for the required duration without needing external intervention, thus ensuring relay stability while adding minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary circuit acts as an intermediary between the microcontroller and the relay control system. It detects the reset state and triggers the delay module to maintain the closing control signal, thereby mediating the transition state and preventing unpredictable relay behavior without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the delay time is set to be greater than or equal to the reset time, then the relay remains closed during reset preventing power loss, but this requires precise timing coordination between delay module and microcontroller reset

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidtiming synchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The delay time parameter is specifically configured to be greater than or equal to the microcontroller reset time. This parameter setting ensures that the delay module maintains the closing control signal throughout the entire reset period, guaranteeing power supply continuity without requiring complex real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The delay module is designed to provide a cushioning effect by maintaining the closing control signal for a duration that covers the entire reset period. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if the microcontroller reset takes longer than expected, the relay will not lose power or enter an unpredictable state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3626507B1Control apparatus and power supply system
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3626507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3626507B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3626507B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electrical control. A control apparatus comprises a microcontroller, an auxiliary circuit, a delay module and a logical circuit; the microcontroller is connected to a first input end of the logical circuit via the auxiliary circuit and connected to a second input end of the logical circuit via the delay module, and an output end of the logical circuit is connected to a device to be controlled; if the microcontroller is reset in a process of outputting the closing control signal, a delay disabling signal becomes invalid, the delay module is enabled to output the closing control signal within a preset delay time, wherein the delay time is greater than or equal to a reset time. A power supply system is also provided to avoid a risk that an automobile suddenly loses power due to unexpected reset of the microcontroller.