Vehicle Power Distribution Switching for Thinner Wire Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution devices in vehicles face challenges due to production variations in fuse elements, leading to the need for thick and heavy wires to handle maximum current values, which is undesirable for space and fuel efficiency reasons.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution device that includes switches, a current detection circuit, and a condition determination unit to manage current flow, allowing for the reduction of current values by turning off switches when predetermined conditions are met, enabling the use of thinner wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the maximum value of melting thresholds is used to determine wire specifications, then the wire can handle production variations in fuse elements, but the wire becomes thick and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire reliability under production variationsVSAvoidwire weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the effective melting threshold by selectively turning off switches based on real-time current monitoring. Instead of using a fixed safety margin based on maximum production variations, the system adapts the operational parameters (which switches are on) to match actual conditions, allowing thinner wires to be used safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters (switch states) based on monitored current values. By dynamically adjusting which switches are on or off, the system effectively changes the load distribution and current through the wire, allowing the use of wires with smaller permissible current values while maintaining safety margins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the maximum value of melting thresholds is used to determine wire specifications, then the wire can handle production variations in fuse elements, but the wire becomes thick and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire reliability under production variationsVSAvoidwire space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the effective melting threshold by selectively turning off switches based on real-time current monitoring. Instead of using a fixed safety margin based on maximum production variations, the system adapts the operational parameters (which switches are on) to match actual conditions, allowing thinner wires to be used safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters (switch states) based on monitored current values. By dynamically adjusting which switches are on or off, the system effectively changes the load distribution and current through the wire, allowing the use of wires with smaller permissible current values and reduced cross-sectional area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If thicker wires are used to handle maximum current values, then the wire can accommodate production variations, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire reliability under production variationsVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the effective melting threshold by selectively turning off switches based on real-time current monitoring. Instead of using a fixed safety margin based on maximum production variations, the system adapts the operational parameters (which switches are on) to match actual conditions, allowing thinner wires to be used safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters (switch states) based on monitored current values. By dynamically adjusting which switches are on or off, the system effectively changes the load distribution and current through the wire, allowing the use of wires with smaller permissible current values and reduced weight, thereby lowering fuel consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the maximum value of melting thresholds is used, then safety margin is ensured, but the system cannot utilize the actual current conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety marginVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual current flowing through the wire and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust switch states. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain safety margins while optimizing performance by turning off switches only when necessary, rather than operating with a fixed conservative margin that limits productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the effective melting threshold by selectively turning off switches based on real-time current monitoring. Instead of using a fixed safety margin based on maximum production variations, the system adapts the operational parameters (which switches are on) to match actual conditions, allowing thinner wires to be used safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11881705B2Power distribution device, power distribution method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US11881705B2 patent drawing
  • US11881705B2 patent drawing
  • US11881705B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a power distribution device, a current detection circuit detects a current value of a current flowing through a wire. When a switch is on, a microcomputer determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, based on the current value detected by the current detection circuit. If it is determined by the microcomputer that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a drive circuit turns off the switch.