Vehicle Computing System Using Regenerative Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems face challenges in effectively utilizing surplus processing power and regenerative energy, particularly in electric vehicles, where electrical storage devices cannot store all regenerative energy, and there is a need for advanced computing capabilities for autonomous driving and connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle equipped with a general-purpose computing device, communication device, and control device that processes computing tasks using surplus processing power and regenerative energy, storing the results and managing energy consumption to optimize battery performance and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the electrical storage device capacity is increased to store all regenerative energy, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the vehicle weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful waste of regenerative energy (which cannot be stored due to full battery) into a beneficial resource by using it to power the general-purpose computing device. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need to increase battery capacity while still utilizing the regenerative energy that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the regenerative energy serve multiple functions: first charging the electrical storage device, and then powering the computing device when the battery is full. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by finding alternative uses for the energy without requiring additional storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the general purpose computing device processing power is increased to enhance autonomous driving and connectivity capabilities, then the computing capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management where the computing device operates at full capacity when regenerative energy is available, and reduces or suspends operations when battery charge is low. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching computing power consumption with available energy supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's own regenerative energy to power the computing device, making the high-power consumer self-sufficient without drawing from the battery needed for propulsion. This resolves the contradiction by creating an independent energy source for computing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the regenerative energy is stored in the electrical storage device, then the energy utilization is improved, but the battery lifespan decreases due to frequent charging cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the computing device as a separate energy consumer that directly utilizes regenerative energy through the power supply device, separating it from the battery charging system. This resolves the contradiction by removing the burden of frequent charging cycles from the battery while still achieving high energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enables the effective utilization of surplus processing power and regenerative energy, enhancing the vehicle's computing capabilities for autonomous driving and connectivity while optimizing battery performance and extending its lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a regenerative device incorporating an electric generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRegenerative braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

store the regenerative energy obtained during deceleration into an electrical storage device, such as a secondary battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS10776168B2Vehicle and computing system

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle includes a control device including a first processing section, a second processing section, and a third processing section. The first processing section is programmed to acquire an excessive processing power of a general purpose computing device. The second processing section is programmed to cause the general purpose computing device to process a computing task stored in a first memory storage section and allow the processing result to be stored in a second memory storage section if the excessive processing power acquired by the first processing section is greater than a predetermined processing power. The third processing section is programmed to send the processing result stored in the second memory storage section to an external server by use of a communication device.