Vehicle Relay Coil Voltage Stepping for Low Holding Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay circuits for vehicles do not effectively reduce power consumption when driving electrical contacts, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and potential battery drain.
Innovation Solution
The proposed relay circuit includes a contact relay and a voltage generating circuit, where the voltage generating circuit generates an application voltage that exceeds a first voltage to close the electrical contact and then reduces the voltage to a third voltage, lower than the first voltage but higher than a second voltage, to maintain the contact while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the application voltage is maintained at a high level to keep the electrical contact closed, then the contact reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the coil voltage from a static high level to a dynamic two-level system. The voltage generating circuit switches between first voltage (during closing) and second voltage (during holding), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics while maintaining contact reliability through appropriate voltage selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the coil based on the operational state. By using different voltage levels (first voltage for closing, second voltage for holding), the system optimizes the balance between contact reliability and power consumption, avoiding continuous high voltage application.
2Loss of energy
If the application voltage is reduced to minimize power consumption, then the energy dissipation is reduced, but the contact may fail to maintain closed state
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generating circuit dynamically adjusts the coil voltage based on contact state. After closing, it transitions to a lower holding voltage that is sufficient to maintain the closed state while reducing energy dissipation, demonstrating dynamic optimization of the voltage parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic voltage application in two stages: initial high voltage for closing, followed by reduced voltage for holding. This periodic action pattern ensures reliable contact closure while minimizing continuous energy consumption during the holding phase.
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 configuration effectively reduces power consumption during the operation of electrical contacts, maintaining the contact state while minimizing energy dissipation in the coils and auxiliary battery.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical contact is generally driven by a coil. For example, the electrical contact is opened or closed based on a voltage applied to the coil.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay circuit includes a contact relay and a voltage generating circuit. The contact relay includes an electrical contact and a coil. The coil drives the electrical contacts. The voltage generating circuit generates an application voltage to the coil. The electrical contact is closed when the application voltage exceeds the operating voltage of the contact relay and is opened when the application voltage falls below the return voltage of the contact relay that is lower than the operating voltage. The voltage generating circuit closes the electrical contact by generating an application voltage such that the application voltage exceeds the operating voltage, and then generates an application voltage such that the application voltage is held at a step-down voltage lower than the operating voltage and higher than the return voltage.