Ring Power Network for Multi-Voltage Nodal Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical architectures in vehicles, which rely on radial connecting lines and multiple power sources with different voltages, are costly and inefficient due to the need for redundant power lines and high ASIL-level batteries to ensure reliability, as a failure in one power source or line can shut down all connected consumers.
Innovation Solution
An electrical architecture with a power supply network that connects nodal controllers in a ring using bidirectional DC/DC converters, allowing power to be supplied from multiple sources and maintaining voltage stability even in case of failures, reducing the need for redundant lines and high ASIL-level batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If radial connecting lines (star scheme) are used to connect zone controllers to power sources, then the electrical architecture is simple to implement, but a failure in one power source or supply line causes all connected consumers to shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical architecture into multiple independent zones, each with its own zone controller that can operate autonomously. This segmentation isolates failures to specific zones rather than affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between simple radial connectivity and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bus-based communication and power distribution network as an intermediary between power sources and zone controllers. This intermediary enables redundant power paths and coordinated control, allowing the system to maintain reliability without requiring complex point-to-point redundant connections.
2Reliability
If redundant power lines are provided to maintain functionality upon failure, then power supply reliability is improved, but the cost increases significantly due to larger cable cross-sections and repetitive architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes power lines multi-functional by designing them to serve both primary and backup functions through a bus architecture. A single set of power lines can supply power during normal operation and automatically serve as backup paths when failures occur, eliminating the need for separate redundant cables and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of power distribution paths based on real-time system status. When a failure is detected, the system dynamically reroutes power through alternative paths on the bus, providing reliability without requiring permanent redundant physical connections, thus reducing material costs.
3Reliability
If batteries with high ASIL levels are used to prevent failures, then power supply reliability is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different ASIL levels to different zones and consumers based on their specific safety requirements. Critical consumers receive power from high-ASIL batteries, while non-critical consumers can tolerate lower-ASIL power sources. This localized quality approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining necessary reliability for safety-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial redundancy at the system level rather than requiring every component to have maximum redundancy. By using a bus architecture with multiple power sources, the system achieves adequate reliability through partial backup capacity distributed across zones, rather than excessive redundancy in every component, reducing overall cost.
4Device complexity
If zone controllers are supplied by a single battery to simplify the architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks adaptability when power sources fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and status checking of power sources and bus conditions. This periodic detection enables the system to identify failures and dynamically reconfigure power distribution, providing adaptability through controlled periodic assessment rather than continuous complex control, balancing simplicity and versatility.
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 ensures continuous power supply to critical loads without redundant lines, maintaining reliability and reducing costs by using lower ASIL-level power sources, while the bidirectional DC/DC converters provide stable voltage and adapt to different operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
each nodal controller being linked to the power line via a bidirectional DC/DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical architecture includes multiple nodal controllers, at least two power sources, and a power supply network. Each nodal controller includes at least one output port configured to be connected to an electrical load operating with a voltage of multiple different voltages. The at least two power sources are associated with the multiple different voltages and configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers through the power supply network. The power supply network includes a power line connecting the multiple nodal controllers to each other in a ring and is configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers with electrical power from the at least two power sources. Each nodal controller of the multiple nodal controllers is linked to the power line via a bidirectional DC/DC converter and is configured to control a sleep or a wake-up mode responsive to detection of a corresponding voltage transition within the power supply network.