Relay Drive Voltage Boosting for Sensorless Battery Connection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay drive control systems require additional components like temperature sensors and multiple switches, leading to increased cost and size, which is not efficiently managed in current power storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A relay drive control device that uses a voltage converter to increase the output voltage from a battery to a drivable voltage level, allowing the relay to be driven without additional sensors, and adjusts the voltage based on temperature and timing to ensure reliable operation within a predetermined temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor and multiple switches are added to dynamically control relay drive voltage, then the relay can be driven appropriately under various conditions, but the cost and scale (size and weight) of the power storage system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from a dedicated temperature sensor by using the existing voltage converter and controller to derive temperature information from voltage characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors while maintaining the ability to compensate for temperature effects on relay drive voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter is given multiple functions: it not only converts battery voltage to appropriate levels for various loads but also serves as a temperature sensing device and relay drive controller. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity while achieving reliable relay operation across temperature ranges.
2Reliability
If additional components (temperature sensor, switches) are added for relay voltage control, then the relay can operate reliably across temperature ranges, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function, voltage conversion function, and relay control function into a single integrated system using the existing voltage converter and controller. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, additional switches, and complex control circuits, thereby reducing component costs while maintaining reliable relay operation across temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (voltage converter and controller) to perform temperature sensing and relay control functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional expensive components while achieving the same reliability goals.
3Reliability
If additional components (temperature sensor, switches) are added for relay voltage control, then the relay can operate reliably across temperature ranges, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing capability from dedicated temperature sensing hardware by deriving temperature information from the voltage converter's electrical characteristics. This eliminates the weight of separate temperature sensors and associated wiring while maintaining the ability to compensate for temperature effects on relay operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions including voltage conversion, temperature sensing, and relay control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing the overall system weight while ensuring reliable relay operation across different temperature conditions.
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 solution enables the relay to be driven effectively while maintaining a reduced system cost and size, ensuring reliable operation without the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing marketability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter configured to output the output voltage converted into a drive voltage to the controller
Implementation Method 2
a relay that switches the status of connection and disconnection between the power storage device and a load, and a controller that controls drive of the relay by energization or de-energization of a coil portion
Data Source
AI summary
A relay drive control device is configured to control drive of a relay for connecting a battery mounted on a vehicle and an external power supply. The relay drive control device includes a controller configured to, when driving the relay, supply an output voltage of the battery to the relay after increasing the output voltage to a voltage value at which the relay is drivable.