Self-Adjusting Power Failure Threshold Using Geometric References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting power failures in automotive electronic systems require significant computing power and reaction time, affecting consumption and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting device that uses a geometric sequence of reference signals to determine an electrical threshold for power failure detection, eliminating the need for voltage/current multipliers by framing the supply signal within intervals defined by the sequence, allowing for automatic detection of maximum allowable power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing devices use voltage/current multipliers to detect power failures, then power consumption monitoring is achieved, but computing power requirements and reaction times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the computational approach (voltage/current multipliers and microprocessor calculations) with an electrical analog approach using a resistor network that directly generates threshold signals. The resistor network with geometric progression ratios creates voltage dividers that automatically produce reference signals proportional to possible power consumption values, eliminating the need for complex real-time computations while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified electrical model of the power consumption detection system using a resistor network that replicates the threshold comparison function. Instead of computing power consumption and comparing it to a threshold, the system uses the resistor network to generate multiple reference signals that represent different power levels, allowing direct electrical comparison with the actual power consumption signal.
2Reliability
If existing devices use voltage/current multipliers to detect power failures, then power consumption monitoring is achieved, but reaction time is penalized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and pre-generates all possible power consumption threshold values using a resistor network with geometric progression ratios. The reference signals are continuously available before any power failure event occurs, eliminating the need for real-time computation during critical detection moments. The microprocessor only needs to compare the current power consumption signal against these pre-established reference signals, significantly reducing reaction time.
3Measurement precision
If existing devices use complex computation to determine power thresholds, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from computational parameters (multiplied voltage and current values processed by a microprocessor) to electrical analog parameters (voltage division ratios in a resistor network). By using a geometric progression of resistor ratios, the system maintains precise threshold detection through electrical field distribution rather than computational algorithms, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for self-adjusting an electrical threshold includes a framing unit that compares a setpoint signal representative of the supply signal to a plurality of successive intervals of reference signals that increase in value according to a geometric sequence. The framing unit generates an output based on the interval bounding the setpoint signal, wherein the output controls a switch that is configured to provide one of the plurality of reference signals as an output, wherein the output reference signal is representative of the electrical detection threshold.