Vehicle Power Control Module Selective Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle power architectures face issues with constant idle current drain from the battery due to always-connected power management sub-blocks, increasing complexity and costs, especially in wake-up mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A power control module with smart fuses and control switches within the ECU allows for selective power application and disconnection of functional blocks from the direct current power supply, reducing idle current drain and complexity by using electronic switching and diagnostic capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power management sub-blocks are always connected to the direct current power supply to enable wake-up functionality, then wake-up capability is maintained, but idle current drain increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewake-up capabilityVSAvoididle current drain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply connection is segmented into multiple independently controllable circuits, each protected by its own power control switch. This allows individual functional blocks to be powered on or off independently, enabling the system to maintain wake-up capability for specific blocks while disconnecting power from others to eliminate idle current drain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power control switches enable dynamic control of power distribution to functional blocks. The system can transition between different power states by switching individual blocks on or off based on operational requirements, allowing wake-up functionality to be activated only when needed rather than maintaining constant power connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If power control switches are added to selectively disconnect functional blocks from the power supply, then idle current drain is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidle current drainVSAvoidpower control module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power control switches are designed to perform multiple functions: they act as power disconnect switches to reduce idle current, provide diagnostic capabilities through integrated monitoring, and enable controlled wake-up sequences. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines power control switching functionality with diagnostic monitoring capabilities into an integrated power control module. The current monitoring and diagnostic functions are merged with the power switching control, eliminating the need for separate fuse arrangements and reducing overall system complexity despite adding power control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex wake-up mechanisms and additional fuse arrangements are implemented, then power management capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and PCB footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and PCB footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential power control function from complex wake-up mechanisms and additional fuse arrangements. By implementing direct power control switches at the functional block level, the system eliminates the need for complex centralized wake-up circuits and multiple protective fuse stages, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining power management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The power control switches are designed as simple, cost-effective components that replace expensive and complex wake-up mechanisms. The straightforward switching architecture uses basic semiconductor switches rather than complex integrated wake-up circuits, reducing both component cost and PCB real estate requirements while achieving the same power management objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20230264640A1Vehicle Power Architecture, Power Control Module and Associated Method

Publication Date: 2023.08.24 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

Vehicle power architecture including a plurality of functional blocks for implementing functions, a power supply input for receiving a direct current power supply, and an electric control unit, ECU. The ECU includes a control block for controlling the plurality of functional blocks to perform functions, and a plurality of power control switches, each being switchable under the control of the control block between a closed state where at least one respective functional block is connected to the power supply input and an open state where the at least one respective functional block is disconnected from the power supply input. The power control switches may be part of a power control module.