Semiconductor Switch Dynamic Safe State Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to simultaneously protect vehicle electrical systems from thermal overload and ensure availability-relevant supply of safety-critical functions, as the safe state for thermal overload protection conflicts with the need to maintain energy supply for autonomous driving and drive-by-wire systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a semiconductor switch, a detection unit, an activation unit, and a control unit that selectively switches the semiconductor switch into a safe state based on vehicle states, allowing for prioritization between protective shutdown and maintaining energy supply, using a field-effect transistor (FET) like a MOSFET, and an integrated circuit with a malfunction shutdown unit for rapid switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device switches into the safe OFF state to protect against thermal overload, then protection against electrical malfunction is improved, but the availability-relevant supply of safety-critical functions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic safe state selection where the control unit can switch between first safe state (OFF) and second safe state (ON) based on vehicle state. The system transitions from a static safe state approach to a dynamic one where the appropriate safe state is selected based on real-time vehicle operating conditions, diagnostic results, and safety-critical function requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of safe state selection from a fixed condition to a variable condition based on vehicle state. The control unit evaluates multiple parameters including vehicle operating mode, diagnostic coverage results, and safety-critical function status to determine which safe state (OFF or ON) should be activated, thereby adapting the protection strategy to current system conditions.
2Productivity
If the device maintains energy supply for autonomous driving functions, then availability-relevant supply is improved, but protection against thermal overload is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the detection unit and the semiconductor switch. It receives diagnostic information from the detection unit, evaluates the situation considering vehicle state and safety-critical function requirements, and then determines the appropriate safe state to activate. This intermediary function allows for nuanced decision-making that balances protection and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of vehicle state and diagnostic results before selecting a safe state. The control unit assesses whether maintaining energy supply is acceptable based on pre-established safety criteria and vehicle operating conditions, thereby making a proactive decision that prevents both unnecessary shutdowns and inadequate protection.
3Device complexity
If the device uses a single semiconductor switch, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both protection and continuous supply is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single semiconductor switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be switched to the first safe state (OFF) for protection against thermal overload, or to the second safe state (ON) for maintaining availability-relevant supply of safety-critical functions. The control unit enables this single component to universally serve both protective and operational roles based on system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic control over the single semiconductor switch, allowing it to adapt its function based on vehicle state and diagnostic results. Rather than using multiple static switches for different functions, the single switch dynamically transitions between protective and operational modes under control unit management.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a device and method for protecting an electrical system component of a vehicle electrical system. The device comprises a semiconductor switch connected to the electrical system component. A circuit connected to the semiconductor switch comprises a detection unit for detecting an electrical malfunction of the vehicle electrical system and an activation unit for activating the semiconductor switch. A control unit communicatively connected to the circuit is configured to switch the semiconductor switch into a first safe state, in which the semiconductor switch is switched off, based on the detection of an electrical malfunction, and to selectively switch the semiconductor switch into the first safe state or into a second safe state, in which the semiconductor switch is switched on, based on at least one predetermined vehicle state.