Vehicle Power Control for Starting With an Exhausted 12V Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with both high voltage and low voltage batteries face challenges in starting the engine when the low voltage battery is exhausted, as the DC/DC converter is not activated, requiring time-consuming jump start techniques, especially in remote areas where rescue vehicles are not available.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular power control system that includes a high voltage battery, a voltage conversion unit, a control unit, and an external power supply connector, allowing the control unit to temporarily supply external power to the voltage conversion unit, enabling the conversion of high voltage power from the high voltage battery to low voltage power even when the low voltage battery is exhausted, thus facilitating engine startup without jump starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If jump start technique is used to start engine when low voltage battery is exhausted, then engine can be started, but it requires time and effort and needs rescue vehicle or large power supply device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (external power supply connector and control unit) that enables direct power transfer from the high voltage battery to the starter motor, eliminating the need for jump start techniques and rescue vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own high voltage battery is utilized to provide the necessary power for engine starting when the low voltage battery is exhausted, making the system self-sufficient without external rescue equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC/DC converter is used to convert high voltage power to low voltage power, then power can be supplied to low voltage circuits, but the converter cannot be activated when low voltage battery is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal mode where DC/DC converter converts high voltage to low voltage, and emergency mode where external power supply directly powers the starter motor when low voltage battery is exhausted
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one through the DC/DC converter for normal operation, and another direct path from high voltage battery through external power supply connector for emergency starting
3Weight of moving object
If small external power supply is used instead of large power supply device, then portability is improved, but power capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply only needs to provide partial power - sufficient to activate the control unit and initiate the power transfer process, while the majority of power comes from the vehicle's own high voltage battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension power supply problem (external battery capacity) to a two-dimension solution by utilizing both the small external power supply and the vehicle's existing high voltage battery in combination
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 engine startup without the need for jump starting, even with a small external power supply, reducing time and effort, and allowing the use of power from the high voltage battery to charge the low voltage battery once the system is activated.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion unit configured to convert a high voltage output from the high voltage battery into a low voltage
Data Source
AI summary
When a low voltage battery is exhausted, power necessary for starting up is supplied from a simple power supply connected to an ACC socket to a vehicle side. The power of the simple power supply is supplied to power supply terminals of a DC/DC converter and other loads, and is used to activate the DC/DC converter. After the DC/DC converter is activated, power on a high voltage battery side is stepped down and supplied to a low voltage battery side, and a power supply path for the DC/DC converter and the other loads is switched. A mode switch or a relay is used to switch between a normal mode and an emergency start mode.