Vehicle Power Supply Control Apparatus with Switching Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle power supply control systems fail to ensure stable power redundancy, particularly when a large current is required, such as during automatic brake activation, as they do not adequately manage the voltage difference between the lead-acid battery and capacitor, leading to potential power shortages.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power supply control apparatus with a microcomputer-controlled switching circuit that manages the connection between a main power supply (lead-acid battery) and an auxiliary power supply (capacitor) to ensure redundancy by switching on the first and second switches when the main power supply voltage falls below the auxiliary power supply voltage, thereby providing a stable power supply to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power supply control is used without considering redundancy, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply deteriorates when large current is required
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit proactively monitors the voltage difference between the lead-acid battery and capacitor before power shortage occurs. When the voltage difference exceeds the threshold, the circuit pre-activates the appropriate power supply path by turning on the switches, ensuring redundancy is established before actual power failure happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple on/off switches instead of complex power management circuits. The switching mechanism uses basic electrical components that can rapidly transition between states, providing a cost-effective and simple solution for achieving power supply redundancy without requiring sophisticated control systems.
2Reliability
If the switching circuit continuously monitors voltage difference and switches power supplies, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time for switching operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit continuously monitors the voltage difference between the lead-acid battery and capacitor in advance, detecting potential power supply issues before they manifest as actual power shortages. By maintaining readiness to switch based on pre-established voltage thresholds, the system prevents power instability rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
When the voltage difference exceeds the threshold, the switching circuit executes rapid switch transitions to immediately establish the appropriate power supply path. The design minimizes the duration of the switching transition by using direct on/off control of the switches, rushing through the switching operation to maintain power supply stability without prolonged interruption.
3Reliability
If both switches are turned on during idling stop conditions, then double redundancy is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration based on real-time voltage conditions and vehicle operating states. During normal operation, the system uses the lead-acid battery as the primary power source. During idling stop conditions or when voltage difference exceeds the threshold, the system dynamically activates the capacitor and switches to provide additional redundancy, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption based on actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on vehicle state. During idling stop conditions, when the engine is off and the vehicle is slowing down at low speed, the switching circuit activates both power supplies to provide double redundancy. This parameter change in power supply configuration is conditional and temporary, reducing energy consumption compared to continuously operating both switches regardless of vehicle state.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle power supply control apparatus controls (i) storage of electricity generated by an alternator powered by an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and (ii) main and auxiliary power supplies that supply stored electricity to a load. The apparatus includes a first switch, a second switch, a controller and a switching circuit. The first switch is provided between the main power supply and the alternator. The second switch is provided between the auxiliary power supply and the alternator. The controller controls a connection state of the first switch and a connection state of the second switch based on a state of the vehicle. The switching circuit turns on the first switch and/or the second switch in a case where a first voltage of the main power supply is smaller than a second voltage of the auxiliary power supply by a threshold value or greater.