Relay Control Device Using Parameterized Pulsed Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central electrical systems in motor vehicles experience significant power loss due to relay windings, which leads to increased temperature and reduced packing density, as existing technologies lack efficient methods to minimize these losses while maintaining reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic memory with parameter blocks controls relays using pulse-width-modulated supply voltages tailored to specific relay types, minimizing power loss by adjusting pulse widths and amplitudes based on operating conditions, ensuring reliable operation across varying temperatures and voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay windings are continuously powered to maintain reliable operation, then reliability is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed voltage to relay windings instead of continuous DC voltage. The control device generates pulse signals with specific duty cycles (e.g., 50% or lower) to maintain the relay in its held state while significantly reducing average power consumption. The pulse frequency and width are optimized based on relay characteristics stored in memory, ensuring reliable operation with minimal energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the pulse width and frequency of the supply voltage based on operating conditions such as temperature and voltage levels. The control device reads relay-specific parameters from memory and adapts the pulsing characteristics in real-time, allowing the system to maintain reliability across varying environmental conditions while optimizing power consumption at each operating point.
2Productivity
If more relays are packed into the central electrical system, then productivity is improved, but temperature rise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By switching from continuous to periodic voltage supply, the patent reduces average power dissipation in each relay by approximately 50% or more. This thermal management approach enables higher packing density in the central electrical system without causing excessive temperature rise, as each relay generates less heat on average while maintaining functional reliability through pulsed activation.
3Loss of energy
If pulse width is reduced to minimize power loss, then power loss is improved, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor relay state and operating conditions. Based on this feedback and pre-stored relay characteristics, the system automatically optimizes pulse width and frequency to maintain reliable holding operation at the lowest possible power consumption. The memory stores manufacturer-provided parameters that define the minimum pulse requirements for each relay type, ensuring reliability is not compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple parameters simultaneously - pulse width, pulse frequency, and duty cycle - to optimize the balance between power loss and reliability. By adjusting these parameters based on temperature, supply voltage, and relay-specific characteristics, the system finds the optimal operating point that minimizes power consumption while maintaining reliable relay activation and holding.
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 approach reduces power loss in central electrical systems by applying the lowest necessary power to relays, maintaining reliable operation and minimizing temperature rise, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
A pulsed voltage is applied to a relay winding in order to actuate a switch of the relay. The corresponding pulse widths are selected in each case in such a way that a minimum power is applied to a respective relay, at which the relay still reliably remains in the hold state.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device has an electronic memory (16) that contains a parameter block for controlling different relay types in their retaining phase, where a respective relay (14) is controllable in the retaining phase in dependence of its type corresponding to the parameter block. The control of the respective relay takes place in such a manner that the relay is subjected to medium voltage depending upon the relay type, where the medium voltage is defined by the parameter block. The medium voltages for different relay types are selected in such a manner that the relay is subjected to low power.