Vehicle Safety Actuator Power Switching for Rapid Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for motor vehicles face challenges in rapidly adjusting devices like seat belts and steering wheels during critical driving situations due to the limitations of conventional electric motors, which require high energy, have limited installation space, and are prone to overheating, leading to reduced adjustment speed and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A security device that electrically couples an electric motor to both the on-board current supply system and a high-voltage drive battery via a switching device, allowing for additional energy supply during predefined driving situations, thereby enhancing the adjustment speed and reducing the risk of motor overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electric motors are used for rapid adjustment devices, then the devices can be activated in critical driving situations, but the motors require high energy, have limited installation space, and are prone to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two power supply sources (on-board current supply system and drive battery) into a hybrid power architecture. The electric motor can draw power from either source or both simultaneously, merging the capabilities of low-voltage continuous power and high-voltage burst power to resolve the contradiction between power requirements and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power supply switching that adapts to different operational states. The control device dynamically selects the power source based on whether the motor is in standby mode or rapid adjustment mode, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining the required power output capability.
2Force
If conventional electric motors are used for rapid adjustment devices, then the devices can provide sufficient torque, but the motors have limited installation space and high dead weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of a large, heavy motor with a smaller motor by combining it with a high-voltage capacitor bank. The capacitor bank provides the additional power needed to achieve the same torque output as a larger motor, allowing the use of a more compact motor design that saves installation space and reduces weight.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional electric motors are used for rapid adjustment devices, then the motors can operate continuously, but they are prone to overheating and motor burnout under high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management through active power supply switching. The control device monitors motor operating conditions and dynamically switches between power sources based on thermal load, directing high-voltage power only during brief rapid adjustment events when overheating risk is minimal, while using low-voltage power for continuous low-load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic high-voltage power bursts from the drive battery or capacitor bank for rapid adjustments, separated by longer intervals of low-voltage operation. This periodic high-power delivery allows the motor to cool down between bursts, preventing cumulative overheating and burnout while maintaining reliability.
4Speed
If high-voltage drive battery is used for additional energy supply, then the adjustment speed can be enhanced, but the switching device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into distinct functional modules: a control device that monitors conditions, a switching device that executes power source selection, and a protection device that manages thermal and electrical safety. This segmentation allows the switching device to focus on a single function (power source selection) rather than handling all control logic, reducing its complexity.
5Force
If electric motor is designed for high power output, then the torque is sufficient for rapid adjustment, but the motor dead weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of a heavy high-torque motor with a lighter motor plus high-voltage energy storage system. The combined system delivers equivalent torque through the combination of motor mechanical output and electrical power bursts from the drive battery or capacitor bank, reducing overall system weight while maintaining the required force output.
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 rapid and cost-effective automatic movement of motor vehicle devices, improving occupant safety by providing higher power and torque during critical events, while minimizing the risk of motor damage and energy inefficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (2) for moving the device (100), wherein the electric motor (2) is electrically coupleable to an on-board current supply system (3) of the motor vehicle via a first current supply interface (4) and to a drive battery (6) of the motor vehicle via a second current supply interface (5)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a security device for a motor vehicle for automatically moving a device of the motor vehicle in a predefined driving situation, including an electric motor for moving the device and a first current supply interface that can be electrically coupled to an on-board current supply system of the motor vehicle. The security device includes a second current supply interface for electrically coupling the electric motor to a drive battery of the motor vehicle. The second current supply interface includes a switching device with switching for electrically coupling the electric motor to the drive battery depending on the predefined driving situation. Furthermore, provided is a security system with several security devices and a method for operating such a security system.