Redundant Electronic Circuit for Vehicle Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits for redundant power supply in vehicles, such as those for autonomous driving, face challenges in reducing wiring complexity, cost, and vulnerability to shorts, while ensuring uninterrupted power to critical loads.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with a ring structure configuration using multiple terminals and electrical switches, allowing selective power flow between primary and secondary energy sources, with detection mechanisms to prevent reverse current flow and activate backup supplies during erroneous states, reducing wiring requirements and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two or more energy sources are provided for redundant supply, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources and their control circuits into a single integrated electronic circuit module. The first and second energy sources, along with their respective switching circuits and control logic, are merged into one unified device that manages redundant power supply automatically, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can operate in normal mode using the first energy source, automatically switch to backup mode using the second energy source when faults are detected, and provide seamless redundant supply. This universal design allows a single circuit to handle multiple power supply scenarios without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Reliability
If two or more energy sources are provided for redundant supply, then reliability is improved, but wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection terminals and switching mechanisms within a compact electronic circuit module, reducing the need for extensive external wiring. The first terminal, second terminal, and third terminal are incorporated into the circuit structure itself, minimizing cable lengths and wiring complexity while maintaining redundant power supply capabilities.
3Reliability
If two or more energy sources are provided for redundant supply, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple functions (power switching, fault detection, automatic transfer control) into a single integrated electronic circuit, reducing the total component count and assembly requirements. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs compared to implementing separate dedicated circuits for each power source and control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using shared components: the same switching circuits control both energy sources, the same control unit monitors both supplies, and the same terminal structure serves both normal and backup power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces component redundancy and lowers overall manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If two or more energy sources are provided for redundant supply, then reliability is improved, but vulnerability to shorts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switching circuits as intermediary elements between the energy sources and the load. These switching circuits act as controlled connection points that can be opened or closed based on system state, allowing the circuit to isolate faulty energy sources and prevent short circuits from affecting the entire system while maintaining reliable power supply through the other source.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic circuit (10) for redundant supply of an electric load comprises a plurality of terminals including at least a first terminal (T1), a second terminal (T2) and at least one third terminal (T3), wherein the first terminal (T1) is configured to be connected to a first energy source for primary supply of the electric load; the second terminal (T2) is configured to be connected to a second energy source for secondary supply of the electric load; the at least one third terminal (T3) is configured to be connected to the electric load; the electronic circuit (10) further comprises a plurality of electrical components (Q1, Q2, Q3) interposed between the first terminal (T1), the second terminal (T2) and the at least one third terminal (T3), the electrical components (Q1, Q2, Q3) being configured to enable power flow from either the first terminal (T1) or the second terminal (T2) to the at least one third terminal (T3) in dependence of an erroneous supply state for the electric load.