Stabilizing Device for Vehicle Consumer Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stabilizing consumer supply in vehicle electrical systems face inefficiencies due to power loss and reduced voltage swing caused by diodes and DC-to-DC converters, which limit the operational range of buffer stores and lead to premature activation of buffer stores.
Innovation Solution
A device with a DC-to-DC converter and controllable switching elements, controlled by a unit that bypasses power-loss components when input voltage exceeds a minimum, delaying buffer store activation and allowing deeper discharge and higher charging of the buffer store, thereby extending consumer supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diode is provided between the consumer and energy store to prevent other components from being supplied during voltage drops, then the consumer supply stability is improved, but power dissipation increases and voltage swing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diode from the circuit configuration and replaces it with controllable switching elements. This removes the inherent voltage drop and power dissipation associated with diodes while maintaining the protective function of preventing reverse current flow during voltage drops below the consumer's minimum voltage requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static diode connection to a dynamic switching configuration where switching elements are controlled based on real-time voltage conditions. The control unit monitors the energy store voltage and dynamically switches between direct connection and buffer store connection, optimizing performance across varying operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-to-DC converter is used to provide constant high voltage to the consumer, then the operating range of the buffer store is increased, but constant power loss occurs as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching architecture that alternates between direct energy store connection and buffer store connection based on voltage conditions. This eliminates the need for continuous DC-to-DC conversion, reducing power loss while maintaining adaptability through controlled switching transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of the controllable switching elements under control of the control unit. The switching occurs periodically based on voltage threshold detection, enabling the system to operate in discrete modes (direct connection or buffer connection) rather than continuous conversion, thereby reducing energy loss.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the buffer store is dimensioned to provide extended operation during voltage drops, then the consumer can maintain defined state longer, but the activation time of the buffer store is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges the buffer store to a voltage higher than the consumer's minimum requirement during normal operation when the energy store voltage is sufficient. This preliminary action ensures that when voltage drops occur, the buffer store is already prepared and can immediately take over without delay, extending the consumer's operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the energy store voltage and provides feedback control for the switching elements. When the voltage exceeds the minimum voltage, the control unit activates the buffer store charging path; when voltage drops below the minimum, it switches to buffer store discharge path, optimizing the timing and duration of buffer store operation.
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 optimally stabilizes consumer supply by minimizing power loss and extending the operational range of the buffer store, ensuring a longer and more stable supply independent of energy store fluctuations without critical stress states.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-to-DC converter (35), a plurality of controllable switching elements and a control unit (34) for controlling a switching state of the plurality of controllable switching elements
Implementation Method 2
the provision of a buffer battery or a buffer capacitor as a buffer store
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of controllable switching elements and a control unit (34) for controlling a switching state of the plurality of controllable switching elements depending on an input voltage of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for stabilizing the supply to a consumer from a buffer store, wherein during normal operation the consumer is supplied from an energy store. The device, which includes a DC-to-DC converter, a plurality of controllable switching elements and a control unit, is configured to (i) supply the consumer during normal operation, while bypassing components having power losses, directly from the energy store when the input voltage is greater than a preset first limit voltage, (ii) supply the consumer via the DC-to-DC converter fed from the energy store when the input voltage is below the first preset limit voltage, wherein the DC-to-DC converter converts the input voltage into an operating voltage of the consumer, and (iii) feed the DC-to-DC converter from the buffer store when the input voltage is below a second preset limit voltage until a voltage of the buffer store reaches the second preset limit voltage.