Selectable Transient Voltage Suppressor for Vehicle Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical systems in vehicles face challenges in accommodating different input voltages, requiring effective voltage suppression to protect components across various power supply levels, such as 12V and 24V, while ensuring reliable operation of components with different voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electrical system employs a plurality of transient voltage suppressors and a voltage selection switch, controlled by a controller, to selectively clamp input voltages to appropriate levels, using MOSFETs and other devices, allowing the system to adapt to different power supply voltages by activating or deactivating voltage suppressors based on sensed voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single voltage suppressor is used in the electrical system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot accommodate different input voltages (12V and 24V) effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage suppression system where the controller selectively activates different suppressors based on the detected input voltage. The system transitions from a static single-suppressor configuration to a dynamic multi-suppressor arrangement, enabling the electrical system to adapt its suppression characteristics according to whether 12V or 24V power is supplied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the voltage suppression system by using multiple suppressors with different clamping voltage ratings. The controller modifies which suppressor is active based on the input voltage parameter, ensuring optimal protection for 12V components when 12V is supplied and for 24V components when 24V is supplied.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage suppressors are used to support different voltages, then the adaptability to different power supplies is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the complexity of the multi-suppressor system. The controller detects the input voltage and selectively activates the appropriate suppressor, acting as a mediator between the power supply and the protected electrical components. This intermediary approach allows the system to support multiple voltages without requiring complex manual configuration or switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If voltage suppression is always active, then component protection is improved, but energy loss increases due to continuous operation of suppressors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional activation of voltage suppressors rather than continuous operation. The controller periodically monitors the input voltage and only activates the appropriate suppressor when voltage transients are detected or when switching between 12V and 24V power sources. This periodic action maintains component protection while minimizing energy loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes the active suppression function from the continuous operational state, activating it only when needed. By using the controller to selectively enable suppressors based on voltage conditions, the system separates the protection function from continuous power consumption, achieving component protection only during transient events or voltage transitions.
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 reliable voltage suppression across different input voltages, protecting electrical components and ensuring proper operation of loads with varying voltage needs, thereby enhancing the flexibility and reliability of electrical systems in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an first transient voltage suppressor and a second transient voltage suppressor. The first transient voltage suppressor exhibits a first clamping voltage. The second transient voltage suppressor exhibits a second clamping voltage less than the first clamping voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical system includes an input node (102) electrically connectable to a power supply (104). The system includes a plurality of voltage suppressors (106, 108, 200, 202), with at least one of the voltage suppressors electrically connected to the input node. A voltage selection switch (110) is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of voltage suppressors. A controller (114) in communication with the switch may selectively operate the switch based on a nominal operating voltage at the input node.