In-Vehicle Sub Battery Charging Control for Unexpected Returns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for in-vehicle batteries fail to adequately prevent the sub battery from running out during prolonged parking, leading to starting issues due to insufficient charge, especially when users return to their vehicles unexpectedly.
Innovation Solution
A charging control system that includes a processor to manage two charging modes: a first mode after a predetermined time and a second mode when the vehicle is at a predetermined location within a specific time zone, ensuring timely charging of the sub battery to prevent depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sub battery is charged after a predetermined time in the traveling function stopped state, then the sub battery depletion is prevented, but the vehicle starting reliability is compromised when users return unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by detecting when the vehicle is parked at a predetermined location (such as home) within a predetermined time zone, and starts charging the sub battery before the user actually returns to the vehicle. This anticipatory charging ensures the sub battery is fully charged by the time the user needs to start the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between preventing depletion and responding to unexpected returns.
2Reliability
If the DC-DC converter operates to charge the sub battery during parking, then the sub battery charge level is maintained, but the main battery energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by enabling charging operations only in specific locations (predetermined locations such as home) and specific time zones, rather than continuously during all parking periods. This targeted approach charges the sub battery only when the vehicle is likely to be parked for an extended period, thereby maintaining sub battery charge levels while minimizing unnecessary main battery energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the charging control system uses location and time data to determine charging timing, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control system utilizes self-service by automatically acquiring position data from a position data acquirer and time data, then autonomously determining whether to initiate charging based on predetermined locations and time zones. This automated decision-making process improves charging efficiency by eliminating manual intervention while managing system complexity through the use of existing vehicle sensors and processors.
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
Effectively prevents sub battery depletion by optimizing charging based on location and time, maintaining vehicle functionality and reducing fuel consumption by managing power distribution between main and sub batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The DC-DC converter lowers a voltage of the main battery and supplies electric power to the sub battery
Data Source
AI summary
A charging control system for an in-vehicle battery is to be to be applied to a vehicle and includes a main battery, a sub battery, and a processor. The processor is configured to perform a first charging control and a second charging control. The processor is configured to: in the first charging control, charge the sub battery after a predetermined time is elapsed from time when the vehicle is placed into a traveling function stopped state; in the second charging control, start charging of the sub battery after a time shorter than the predetermined time of the first charging control is elapsed; and perform the second charging control when the processor determines, based on time data and position data of the vehicle, that the vehicle is placed into the traveling function stopped state at a predetermined location and within a predetermined time zone.