Vehicle Load Control Device Automatic Connection Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle load control devices cannot automatically determine how loads are connected to switching elements, limiting their ability to efficiently manage loads with varying current requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle load control device with multiple connection portions and switching elements, a controller, and a current detector that determines the connection form by analyzing current changes, allowing individual control of switching elements based on a control program, and a communication unit for updating the control program based on determined connection forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple switching elements are connected to one load to control large load current, then the ability to control large current loads is improved, but the complexity of determining connection forms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the connection form of loads to switching elements by itself, without requiring external manual configuration. The microcomputer controls switching elements to be turned on or off and automatically identifies how loads are connected based on current detection results, enabling the system to self-configure for optimal control of large current loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameters of switching elements (turning them on or off in different sequences) and measures the resulting current changes to determine connection forms. By varying the ON/OFF states of switching elements and detecting current parameter changes, the system automatically identifies the connection configuration without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of load connections is used, then the control program can be simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to automatically adapt to different connection forms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses current detection to obtain feedback information about the actual connection form of loads to switching elements. Based on this feedback, the microcomputer automatically determines the connection configuration and adjusts the control program accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to different connection forms without manual reconfiguration while maintaining manageable control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from a static, manually-configured approach to a dynamic, automatically-adapting approach. The system can dynamically determine connection forms and adjust control programs based on actual load connections, allowing the control logic to flexibly respond to different operational conditions without increasing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If all switching elements are kept in ON state, then the initial current measurement is simplified, but the ability to determine individual connection forms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The determination process is segmented into multiple phases: first measuring the total current when all switching elements are ON, then sequentially or individually turning off specific switching elements and measuring current changes. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and identify individual load connections by comparing current measurements from different switching states, achieving precise connection form determination through systematic division of the measurement process.
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
Enables automatic determination of load connections, efficient control of loads with varying currents, and reduces memory storage needs by dynamically updating control programs based on identified connection forms.
Implementation Method 1
a current detector configured to detect a current value of current flowing in the connection portion when the switching element is in the ON state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle load control device repeats a determination state in which at least one of a plurality of switching elements is turned off from an initial state in which the switching elements are all in an ON state until all of the switching elements have different ON/OFF states, and determines a connection form for each connection portion based on the change between an initial current value detected in the initial state and a determination current value detected for each determination state.