Vehicle Accessory Power Management System for Start-Stop Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles equipped with start-stop systems and powered accessories, the simultaneous use of multiple power-intensive systems can lead to insufficient power, causing malfunctions or safety concerns, particularly affecting electronic power assisted steering, and potentially stranding the vehicle due to battery drainage.

Innovation Solution

A power management system that receives input to enable accessory modes by reducing electrical loads, disabling the start-stop mode, and ensuring maximum power output from the vehicle's battery and alternator, prioritizing power distribution to critical systems like EPAS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the start-stop mode is enabled to conserve fuel, then fuel efficiency is improved, but power availability deteriorates when multiple power-intensive systems operate simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidpower availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the engine operation mode based on real-time power demands. When accessory mode is activated, the system transitions from start-stop mode to continuous run mode, allowing the engine to maintain operation and provide sufficient power to both the accessory and critical systems like EPAS.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the engine by disabling the start-stop mode when accessory mode is detected. This parameter change ensures that the engine remains running and can deliver the increased power required by the accessory while maintaining adequate power for critical vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power-intensive systems operate simultaneously, then system functionality is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system continuously monitors the operational state of accessories and critical systems. When accessory mode is detected, the system receives feedback and automatically disables start-stop mode to maintain stable power supply to both the accessory and critical systems, preventing power instability and malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the start-stop mode is disabled to ensure power availability, then power availability is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between start-stop mode and continuous run mode based on the operational requirements. Start-stop mode is enabled during normal operation to conserve fuel, but automatically disabled when accessory mode is activated to ensure sufficient power availability, thus optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining power availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10266134B2Vehicle accessory power management

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

System and method are disclosed for vehicle accessory power management. An example vehicle includes an engine configured to operate in a start-stop mode, and a power management system. The power management system is configured to receive an input requesting use of a vehicle accessory in an accessory mode, and responsive to the input, reduce an electrical load, disable the start-stop mode, and enable use of the accessory mode.