On-Board Power Supply Apparatus With Diode And Resistor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-board power supply systems face challenges in maintaining stable voltage and operational reliability for multiple electrical loads in vehicles, particularly when one battery is charged, leading to inefficiencies and potential voltage fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A power supply apparatus with a connection path between two batteries and a resistor unit that connects them, allowing for redundant power supply and reducing voltage fluctuations by suppressing discharge currents and maintaining stable voltage across individual electrical loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connection path is provided between multiple power supplies to enable redundant power supply, then operational reliability is improved, but voltage fluctuations may occur when one battery is charged by the alternator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A diode is introduced as an intermediary component in the connection path between the first and second batteries. The diode allows current to flow in only one direction, preventing reverse current flow that would cause voltage fluctuations. When the alternator charges the first battery, the diode blocks current from flowing back to the second battery, thus maintaining voltage stability while still providing redundant power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the charging control function from the overall power supply system by using a diode to separately control the charging path. Instead of having a direct bidirectional connection between batteries, the diode creates a unidirectional charging path, isolating the two batteries' charging processes and preventing voltage interference between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a current-limiting resistor is provided to prevent inrush current during battery charging, then battery protection is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery protectionVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a diode instead of a current-limiting resistor to protect the battery during charging. The diode provides inherent current limitation through its forward voltage drop characteristic without the continuous energy dissipation of a resistor. This protective component is passive and reliable, providing battery protection while minimizing energy loss compared to resistive current limiting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 configuration ensures stable voltage supply to individual electrical loads, enhances operational reliability by providing redundant power, and reduces energy loss during battery charging, making the system more efficient and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

a diode that allows a current to flow therebetween in only one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a resistor that suppresses a discharge current between the first battery and the second battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10807547B2On-board power supply apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.10.20 DENSO CORP
  • US10807547B2 patent drawing
  • US10807547B2 patent drawing
  • US10807547B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply apparatus configures an on-board power supply system that includes a first battery and a second battery. A first module and a first detecting unit are electrically connected to the first battery as a first electrical load. A second module and a second detecting unit are electrically connected to the second battery as a second electrical load. The first module and the second module configure an electric power steering apparatus. A starter is electrically connected to the first battery. The first battery and the second battery are electrically connected by a connection path. A resistor unit is provided on the connection path.