Power Supply Switching for Current Conduction Fault Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply control systems halt all processing when a current conduction fault occurs, preventing the execution of non-power supply control tasks.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control system that includes a control device and a switching device, where the control device executes non-power supply control processing and determines current conduction faults, and the switching device alternately turns a second switch on and off to maintain power supply for the control device operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power switch turns off due to current conduction fault detection, then power supply safety is improved, but all processing execution stops including non-power supply control tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into two independent parts: the first switch (power supply switch) controlled by the processing unit, and the second switch (power switch) controlled by the switching device. This segmentation allows the first switch to be turned off for safety while the second switch can be alternately switched to maintain power supply for processing execution, thereby resolving the contradiction between power supply safety and processing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device alternately switches the second switch on and off in a periodic manner after a current conduction fault is detected. This periodic action maintains intermittent power supply to the processing unit, enabling it to continue executing non-power supply control tasks while the first switch remains off to ensure power supply safety.
2Reliability
If the first switch turns off to stop power supply, then current conduction fault protection is improved, but non-power supply control processing cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch acts as an intermediary that mediates between the fault protection requirement (first switch off) and the processing functionality requirement. By alternately switching the second switch, it provides intermittent power supply that enables the processing unit to continue executing non-power supply control tasks while the first switch remains off to ensure fault protection.
3Reliability
If all processing stops when current conduction fault occurs, then system safety is improved, but critical operations cannot continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by having the switching device alternately switch the second switch on and off. This maintains intermittent power supply to the processing unit, allowing it to continue executing critical non-power supply control tasks without complete interruption, thereby reducing operation interruption time while maintaining system safety through the first switch being off.
Data Source
AI summary
A first ECU (control device) controls power supplied through a power supply switch, by turning the power supply switch on or off. A second ECU (switching device) turns a power switch on or off. In the first ECU, a processing unit executes non-power supply control processing different from processing relating to control of power supplied through the power supply switch. After a current conduction fault in which a current flows through the power supply switch despite an instruction being given to turn off the power supply switch is detected, the second ECU alternately turns the power switch on and off repeatedly.