Power Source Control Unit Optical Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source control systems for automatic driving systems in vehicles lack accuracy in detecting failures between main and backup batteries, leading to potential system instability when one power source fails.
Innovation Solution
A power source control unit that includes an SOC acquisition portion, SOC determination portions, a current acquisition portion, a current determination portion, and a failure determination portion to accurately assess the state of charge and current flow between power sources, enabling precise detection of power source failures and switching to maintain system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If determination as to whether a power source failed is made based on current flowing through wiring connecting two power sources, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional current-based failure detection method with an optical detection method. An optical detector measures light emitted from a light emitter that is electrically connected to the power source under test. When the power source fails, the light emission changes, providing a visually detectable and measurable signal. This optical substitution enables more accurate failure detection while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes light emission (color/optical property changes) as an indicator of power source status. The light emitter produces light that can be detected optically, and changes in light emission characteristics indicate power source failure. This approach transforms an electrical failure condition into an optical signal that can be measured with high precision using optical detectors.
2Reliability
If a power source control system uses conventional failure detection methods, then the system structure is simple, but the system reliability decreases due to inaccurate failure detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical detection system that replaces conventional electrical current-based detection. The control unit incorporates an optical detector that measures light from a light emitter connected to the power source. This substitution provides more reliable failure detection signals, enabling the control unit to accurately determine power source status and maintain system reliability through precise monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light emitter as an intermediary element between the power source and the detection system. The light emitter converts electrical status of the power source into optical signals that can be reliably detected and measured. This intermediary transformation enables the control unit to accurately assess power source health without directly measuring electrical parameters, thereby improving reliability.
3Reliability
If the switch connecting two power supply lines is turned OFF when one power source fails, then system safety is improved, but the response time to detect failure increases due to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow and inaccurate current-based detection with rapid optical detection. The optical detector can quickly measure light emission changes from the light emitter, enabling fast identification of power source failure. This rapid detection allows the control unit to promptly turn OFF the switch connecting the two power supply lines, improving both response time and system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical detector continuously monitors light emission from the light emitter and provides real-time status information to the control unit. When failure is detected through changes in light emission, the control unit receives immediate feedback and can rapidly respond by switching off the connection between power sources, minimizing detection time and maintaining system safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A power source control unit is for controlling a switch that makes connection between a first power line and a second power line, a first system load being connected to a first power source through the first power line, a second system load being connected to a second power source through the second power line, wherein the power source control unit includes: an SOC acquisition portion as defined herein; a first SOC determination portion as defined herein; a second SOC determination portion as defined herein; a failure determination portion as defined herein; and a switch control portion as defined herein.