Universal Power Distribution Apparatus for Multi-Configuration Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power distribution apparatuses for vehicles with and without automated driving functions have different configurations, making it challenging to share components and apparatuses between vehicles with varying power supply setups, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution apparatus with a first power supply path connected to a battery and a second power supply path not connected to the battery, allowing for flexible attachment of additional distribution paths to accommodate different vehicle configurations, including vehicles with multiple batteries for redundancy, and enabling power distribution to various loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different power distribution apparatus configurations are used for vehicles with and without automated driving functions, then each vehicle type can have optimized power supply, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to inability to share components
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution apparatus is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple vehicle configurations. The first power supply path connects to a first battery for first system loads, while the second power supply path connects to a second battery for second system loads. This universal design allows the same apparatus to be used in vehicles with single or multiple batteries, and with or without automated driving functions, thereby enabling component sharing across different vehicle types and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution apparatus is segmented into independent power supply paths. The first power supply path (including first connection terminal, first internal connection conductor, and first load connection conductor) is separated from the second power supply path (including second connection terminal, second internal connection conductor, and second load connection conductor). This segmentation allows each path to be independently configured and connected based on specific vehicle requirements, providing flexibility while maintaining a standardized overall structure that can be manufactured universally.
2Reliability
If multiple batteries are mounted for redundancy in automated driving vehicles, then power supply reliability increases, but the power distribution apparatus must handle different configurations increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution apparatus incorporates multiple connection terminals and internal connection conductors that can accommodate various battery configurations. The apparatus can universally connect to one or multiple batteries depending on the vehicle's power supply requirements, allowing the same apparatus design to support both single-battery and multi-battery configurations without requiring different apparatus models.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution apparatus provides dynamic connectivity options through its multiple connection terminals and internal conductors. The apparatus can adapt its internal connections based on the actual vehicle configuration, enabling flexible power distribution whether the vehicle has one battery or multiple batteries for redundancy, thereby supporting reliability requirements without fixing the configuration to a single complex design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power distribution apparatus is customized for each vehicle configuration, then optimal power supply is achieved, but component sharing between vehicle types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution apparatus is designed as a universal component with standardized structure including connection terminals and internal connection conductors arranged to accommodate multiple power supply configurations. This universal design enables the same apparatus to be manufactured and installed in various vehicle types regardless of whether they have automated driving functions or require multiple batteries, thereby facilitating component sharing and simplifying manufacturing while still achieving optimized power supply for each specific vehicle configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power distribution apparatus that can be shared by vehicles having different configurations related to power supply. The power distribution apparatus distributes power supplied from a battery mounted in a vehicle to a plurality of loads mounted in the vehicle and connected to a power line connected to the battery and a plurality of power lines connected to the plurality of loads, the apparatus including: a first power supply path that is to be electrically connected to the power line connected to the battery and a power line connected to a first system load mounted in the vehicle; and a second power supply path that is not to be connected to the power line connected to the battery, and is to be electrically connected to a power line connected to a second system load mounted in the vehicle.