Vehicle Actuator Control via Semiconductor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems using relays for actuator control face issues with heating, operation noise, and electrical noise due to mechanical switching, leading to reduced reliability and increased volume due to the need for additional protective components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device and method utilizing a semiconductor switching device and a controller that determines and manages the driving current of an actuator based on user input and vehicle state, calculating a maximum driving current to prevent overheating and unnecessary operation, thereby minimizing noise and extending the actuator's operational lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a relay is used to control the actuator, then the actuator can be driven with simple on/off control, but heating is generated and the relay life is easily deteriorated due to mechanical switching wear and electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relay switching system with a semiconductor switching device controlled by a controller. The controller regulates the driving current to the actuator through the semiconductor switch, eliminating mechanical contact wear and electrical noise associated with traditional relays while maintaining the on/off control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple binary on/off to regulated current control. The controller adjusts the driving current magnitude and duration based on actuator state feedback, optimizing the operating parameters to prevent overheating and extend component life while maintaining effective actuator control.
2Ease of manufacture
If a relay is used for actuator control, then basic switching function is achieved, but additional protective components (fuse, passive elements) are required, increasing the overall volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching device, control logic, and protective functions into an integrated controller unit. The semiconductor switching device replaces the relay, and the controller incorporates the functionality of previously separate protective components (fuse, passive elements), thereby reducing the overall assembly volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a switching device, current regulator, state monitor, and protective element. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate protective components and reduces the overall system volume while maintaining ease of manufacture for the basic switching function.
3Device complexity
If the driving current application time is fixed, then the relay operation is simple, but heat is generated because the current cannot be optimized based on actuator state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors the actuator state (position, operation status) and adjusts the driving current application time and magnitude accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents overheating by stopping current supply when the actuator reaches its target state or encounters abnormal conditions, while maintaining simple operation through automated state-based decision logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a vehicle is provided. The device includes an input device for receiving a user input, a state sensing device for sensing a vehicle state change in response to the user input, and a controller configured to determine whether to apply a driving current of an actuator to a switching device based on the vehicle state change.