Modular Vehicle Power Supply System with Intelligent Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power supply networks in vehicles are cumbersome due to the large number of cables and wires, lack modularity, and require extensive re-wiring for additions or modifications, with protective fuses that need replacement, which is inefficient in managing varying energy distribution modes.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical power supply network with distribution boxes, output switches, and a processor to manage consumption load across different vehicle modes, utilizing smart MOS transistors and a communication bus for efficient energy distribution and diagnostic capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fuse boxes with protective fuses are used, then electrical consumers are protected from overcurrent, but the fuses need to be replaced after the circuit is cut, which is inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical consumer protectionVSAvoidfuse replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the protective device from a passive fuse that melts at a fixed current threshold to an active circuit breaker with adjustable current and time parameters. The control unit allows dynamic adjustment of protection characteristics based on different operating conditions, enabling the same device to provide optimal protection for various electrical consumers without requiring physical replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If modular distribution boxes with intelligent control are implemented, then energy distribution is optimized across different vehicle modes, but the device complexity increases due to additional processors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control unit that manages multiple functions: monitoring electrical parameters, controlling circuit breakers, adjusting protection settings, and optimizing energy distribution across different vehicle modes. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining intelligent energy management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit breakers are equipped with automatic tripping and resetting capabilities without manual intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors electrical loads and activates protection mechanisms when thresholds are exceeded, then automatically resets when conditions normalize, eliminating the need for manual fuse replacement or complex manual control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of electrical cables and wires are used to connect all distribution boxes, then all electrical consumers can be powered, but the wiring becomes cumbersome and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical consumer coverageVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical distribution system into modular distribution boxes, each serving specific electrical consumers or groups of consumers. Each box contains its own circuit breakers and control logic, allowing independent management of electrical loads. This segmentation reduces the need for extensive point-to-point wiring between all components and enables easier addition or removal of consumers without rewiring the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3887209B1Power supply system installed in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 RENAULT SA
  • EP3887209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3887209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3887209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a power supply system installed in a vehicle comprising one or more sources of electrical energy, comprising at least two distributing boxes (511) each comprising: at least one internal distribution bus (601, 602) that can be connected to the source or sources of electrical energy; at least two output switches (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) for each supplying a different electrical consumer of the vehicle from the internal distribution bus; a processor (603) for controlling the output switches so as to distribute a consumption load between the electrical consumers in association with different operating modes of the vehicle.