Vehicle Power Distribution Switching for Redundant Safety Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-distributing devices in motor vehicles face challenges in providing redundant and safe electrical energy supply for safety-critical systems, particularly in highly automated driving scenarios, which are costly and inefficient in terms of space, weight, and reaction to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A power-distributing device with redundant energy sources and switching elements that allow independent operation of safety-critical systems by coupling terminals based on switching states, using semiconductor switching elements and a control apparatus to manage energy distribution, avoiding malfunctions and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant energy sources are provided for safety-critical systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power-distributing device is segmented into multiple independent supply paths, each with its own switching element. This allows the system to provide redundant energy sources for safety-critical systems while managing complexity through modular organization. Each segment can operate independently, ensuring reliability without requiring a completely redundant complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching elements that can change their state based on system requirements. The switching elements enable the system to dynamically reconfigure power distribution, activating redundant paths only when needed, thus improving reliability while minimizing the impact on device complexity during normal operation.
2Reliability
If switching elements are added to manage energy distribution, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Switching elements are segmented and distributed across different supply paths rather than centralized. Each switching element manages a specific portion of power distribution, which improves reliability through decentralized control while keeping individual component complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements are configured to automatically respond to system conditions and manage power distribution based on predefined criteria. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If separate supply paths are provided for safety-critical systems, then reliability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple supply paths are merged at the coupling apparatus level, allowing separate redundant paths to share common infrastructure such as busbars and coupling components. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefits of separate supply paths while reducing the overall space requirements compared to completely independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus is designed with universal components that can handle multiple supply paths simultaneously. The busbars and coupling elements serve multiple functions across different supply paths, enabling the system to provide separate redundant paths without proportionally increasing space requirements.
4Reliability
If redundant energy sources are implemented, then safety standards compliance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Redundant energy sources share common infrastructure components such as the coupling apparatus and busbars. This merging strategy allows the system to meet safety standards through redundant supply paths while reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding complete duplication of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant energy source system is segmented into modular units that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation enables cost-effective production through standardized modular components while still achieving the safety standards compliance required for redundant operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power-distributing device for a vehicle electrical system of a motor vehicle may include at least a first power source terminal and a second power source terminal, at least a first safety supply terminal and a second safety supply terminal, a coupling unit to electrically couple the power source and safety supply terminals, and, for each of at least two power source terminals, a source switching element is to electrically couple the first and second power source terminals to the coupling unit, depending on a switching state. In an example, the power-distributing device may have, for each of at least two safety supply terminals, a supply switching element to electrically couple the first and second safety supply terminals to the coupling unit (24), depending on a switching state.