Power Converter Common Switch Element for Vehicle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power converters require multiple power converting units and switch elements for each load, making them bulky and costly, and necessitate communication signals for load control, which complicates size and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that uses a common switch element and coil to control multiple loads by detecting current and adjusting the ON/OFF timing based on power source states, eliminating the need for individual switch elements and communication signals for each load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple power converting units and switch elements are used for each load, then each load can be controlled independently, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power converting units into a single integrated power converting unit that can simultaneously handle multiple loads. Instead of using separate switch elements for each load, a common switch element is used to control all loads, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining independent control capability through selective switching
Solution Approach 2:
The common switch element and single power converting unit are designed to perform multiple functions by serving different loads. The system can selectively connect to different loads based on their power source states, making the same hardware components universally applicable to multiple loading scenarios without requiring dedicated components for each load
2Ease of operation
If communication signals are used for load control, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service control by detecting the power source states of different loads and automatically selecting which load to supply power to. The control unit monitors the voltage levels of different power sources (e.g., battery, alternator) and autonomously decides the power distribution without requiring external communication signals, thereby simplifying the control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the power source states through voltage detection and uses this feedback information to adjust the switching control. By implementing a feedback mechanism that detects power source conditions and adjusts power distribution accordingly, the system achieves precise control without needing complex communication protocols
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 design reduces the size and cost of the lighting device by allowing multiple loads to be controlled using a single switch element and coil, improving efficiency and visibility through optimized lighting control.
Implementation Method 1
a coil L1 and a switch element SW4 connected in series, a diode D5 connected in parallel to the coil L1, a current detecting resistor R4 connected in series between the anode of the LED 26 and the switch element SW4
Implementation Method 2
A power converter design that uses a common switch element and coil to control multiple loads by detecting current and adjusting the ON/OFF timing based on power source states
Data Source
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AI summary
The size and cost of a lighting device can be reduced by monitoring a plurality of input states and changing an output using a common coil or common switch element. A powder converter receives a plurality of DC powers, which are received in different modes, have a common ground and substantially the same potential, and operates a plurality of loads. The power converter operates the loads according to input states of the plurality of DC powers and supplies the plurality of loads with power via at least a common switch element or a common coil. A first DC power is power supplied via a switch for turning on a passing beam of a vehicle. A second DC power is power supplied in tandem with an ignition of the vehicle. A first load is a vehicle headlight. A second load is a day time running light (DTRL) of the vehicle.