Vehicle Backup Device Dynamic Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle backup systems using capacitors as auxiliary power supplies face challenges in maintaining optimal voltage levels, leading to increased charging time or decreased deterioration suppression, as they either discharge excessively or insufficiently when the vehicle is stopped, affecting the capacitors' longevity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle backup device with a charging and discharging circuit, voltage and current detection units, and a control unit that adjusts target voltage values based on the starter switch state, charging capability, and predetermined time limits to swiftly charge and discharge the second power supply unit, ensuring optimal voltage levels for efficient operation and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charged voltage of the second power supply unit is kept high for a long period to ensure sufficient power backup capacity, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the capacitor deterioration accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage management by switching between two operational modes: a first mode during vehicle operation where the capacitor voltage is maintained at a lower level to suppress deterioration, and a second mode during vehicle stoppage where the voltage is increased to ensure sufficient backup power capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and deterioration by adapting the voltage level to the actual operational requirements at different times.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the capacitor voltage is excessively lowered after vehicle stoppage to suppress deterioration, then the deterioration suppression effect is improved, but the charging time required after vehicle startup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific voltage threshold (first predetermined voltage value) that serves as the target for capacitor voltage during vehicle stoppage. This threshold is carefully selected to balance two competing requirements: it is low enough to suppress capacitor deterioration during idle periods, yet high enough to minimize the recharging time required after vehicle startup. The control unit monitors the capacitor voltage and adjusts the charging/discharging operations to maintain the voltage at or near this optimal threshold value.
3Loss of time
If the capacitor voltage is not lowered sufficiently after vehicle stoppage, then the charging time after startup is reduced, but the deterioration suppression effect decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the control unit that continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and compares it against the first predetermined voltage value. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of the charging circuit and discharging circuit to maintain the capacitor voltage at the optimal level. This feedback mechanism ensures that the voltage is lowered sufficiently to suppress deterioration while preventing excessive discharge that would extend charging time, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
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 effectively sets target voltage values to maintain capacitors at optimal levels during vehicle operation and dormancy, reducing deterioration and enabling swift voltage recovery upon startup, thus enhancing the auxiliary power supply's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of the first conductive path
Implementation Method 2
a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the first conductive path
Implementation Method 3
a charging circuit that performs a charging operation to charge the second power supply unit
Implementation Method 4
a discharging circuit that performs a discharging operation to discharge the second power supply unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a backup device, a determination unit determines a first target voltage value of a second power supply unit when a starter switch for starting a vehicle is in an OFF state, so as to be lower than a second target voltage value of the second power supply unit when the starter switch is in an ON state, based on the second target voltage value, a value indicating the charging capability of the charging circuit, and a predetermined time limit. A control unit causes the charging circuit to perform the charging operation upon the starter switch being switched to an ON state, such that the charged voltage of the second power supply unit reaches the second target voltage value, and causes the discharging circuit to perform the discharging operation upon the starter switch being switched to an OFF state, such that the charged voltage reaches the first target voltage value.