Dual-Bus Steering Backup Power for Ground Fault Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems experience a time lag between detection of a ground fault in the power supply buses and the disconnection of these buses, leading to a temporary loss of power to the control systems, which can result in incomplete actuation of both systems, especially the controllers, causing a failure in steering functionality.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a backup power supply device that includes a battery and rectifiers, configured to automatically supply power from one bus to the controllers of both systems when a ground fault occurs, ensuring continuous power supply during the time lag and preventing system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection line is cut off when the main power supply system fails, then the backup power supply system can be used to actuate the backup load group, but there is a time lag from detection of the failure until the cut-off of the connection line, causing a temporary loss of power to both systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the backup power supply system to be ready before failure occurs. The backup converter and connection line are prepared in advance, and when failure is detected, the system immediately switches to backup power without waiting for the main system to fully fail. This eliminates the time lag by having the backup system ready to act instantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a capacitor - that bridges the gap between the main and backup power systems during the transition period. The capacitor stores energy and provides continuous power to the backup load group during the brief time when the main power fails and before the backup converter fully takes over, thus eliminating the power loss time lag.
2Reliability
If the connection line is cut off to use the backup power supply system, then the backup load group can be actuated, but there may be a state where no electric power is supplied to both the normal load group and the backup load group during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a capacitor that stores electrical energy in advance. This capacitor acts as a cushion or buffer that provides continuous power during the transition from main to backup power supply, preventing the harmful state where neither system receives power. The capacitor discharges its stored energy during the brief transition period, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the backup load group.
3Reliability
If a ground fault occurs in one of the buses, then the circuit breaker disconnects the buses, but this causes a time lag that results in temporary power loss to the control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device that bridges the power gap during fault response. When a ground fault occurs and the circuit breaker begins to disconnect the buses, the capacitor provides continuous power to the control systems during the time lag, ensuring that the controllers remain operational throughout the fault isolation process.
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
The system ensures continuous and reliable actuation of both steering systems by maintaining power to the controllers, even during ground faults, enhancing the practicality and reliability of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
a backup power supply device that includes a battery and is configured to supply electric power from the battery
Implementation Method 2
A steering system with a backup power supply device that includes a battery and rectifiers, configured to automatically supply power from one bus to the controllers of both systems
Data Source
AI summary
In a two-system steering system, a power supply system includes: first and second buses that are communicated with each other via a circuit breaker; first and second power supplies that are connected to the first and second buses, respectively; and a backup power supply including a battery to allow electric power to be supplied to both of first and second systems, and is configured such that, when one of the first and second buses has a ground fault, the circuit breaker cuts off the communication between the first and second buses, and the backup power supply supplies the electric power to both of the first and second systems. The backup power supply can suppress a situation where, during a time lag from detection of the ground fault to actuation of the circuit breaker, both of the first and second systems cannot be normally actuated.