Occupant Protection Voltage Supply Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupant protection systems in motor vehicles, such as airbag systems, face issues with maintaining full functionality below specific voltage thresholds, leading to increased heat and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues, and inefficient power consumption, as they are either partially activated or enter undefined intermediate states due to insufficient voltage supply.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for the voltage supply of occupant protection systems that activates only above a predefined threshold voltage level, using a switching unit and configuration unit to select reference voltage levels, ensuring the system is fully functional or completely deactivated, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the occupant protection system is activated below the specified voltage range, then the system can operate at lower voltages, but the system cannot reach full readiness and generates excessive heat and EMC radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage threshold parameter from the default 3V to a higher value (6V or 7V) to ensure that the occupant protection system only operates when sufficient voltage is available. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by preventing operation in voltage ranges where the system cannot achieve full readiness, thereby eliminating excessive heat and EMC radiation while maintaining appropriate power consumption management.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the sleep threshold is set at 3V to enable sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot distinguish between adequate and inadequate voltage supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage threshold assessment into multiple levels: a first threshold (3V) for sleep mode detection and a second, higher threshold (6V or 7V) for full system activation. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between voltage levels that merely enable sleep mode versus those that guarantee full operational readiness, resolving the contradiction between power reduction and reliable voltage assessment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system operates in an intermediate state with partial functionality, then some operations can be performed, but robust system states cannot be ensured and cooling measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold selection where the activation threshold is adjusted based on the specific embodiment of the occupant protection system. The system can be configured to require either 6V or 7V for full activation depending on the specific device requirements. This dynamic approach eliminates undefined intermediate states by adapting the voltage threshold to match the specific system's operational requirements, thereby ensuring robust system states without unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the voltage supply of an occupant protection system in a motor vehicle having a switching unit and a voltage supply unit, which supplies an operating voltage to the occupant protection system, the switching unit providing a supply voltage to the voltage supply unit when the supply voltage exceeds a predefined threshold value voltage level. A configuration unit is also provided which provides various reference voltage levels for the switching unit as threshold value voltage levels.