Vehicle Power Supply Coupling via Segmented Switching and DC-DC Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical systems face challenges in reliably supplying electrical energy to safety-relevant sub-networks, particularly due to voltage fluctuations and the need for high reliability and redundancy, while also managing different voltage levels and preventing voltage-sensitive consumers from being affected by drops.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multifunction module that includes switching means and a DC-DC converter, allowing direct coupling and decoupling of the basic vehicle electrical system with a safety-relevant sub-network, enabling flexible energy storage management and voltage adjustment, ensuring reliable power supply even in fault conditions, and supporting both systems with galvanic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a basic vehicle electrical system is directly connected to a safety-relevant sub-network, then simplicity and direct power supply are improved, but reliability and fault tolerance deteriorate due to potential voltage fluctuations and single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is divided into a basic vehicle electrical system and a safety-relevant sub-network, with further segmentation into consumer groups with different safety relevance. This segmentation allows independent operation and fault isolation, where the safety-relevant sub-network can be decoupled from the basic system during faults, preventing propagation of voltage fluctuations and ensuring continued operation of critical consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
A multifunction module acts as an intermediary between the basic vehicle electrical system and the safety-relevant sub-network. This module includes switching means for coupling/decoupling and a DC-DC converter for voltage adjustment, serving as a buffer that isolates the two systems while enabling controlled power transfer, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If switching means and DC-DC converter are added to enable direct coupling and decoupling, then power supply reliability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multifunction module is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a coupling/decoupling switch, a DC-DC converter for voltage adjustment, and a protection device for fault isolation. By consolidating these functions into a single modular unit, the system achieves high reliability and fault tolerance without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the module replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching means enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system topology, allowing the safety-relevant sub-network to be coupled to or decoupled from the basic vehicle electrical system based on operational conditions and fault states. This dynamic adaptability provides fault tolerance and flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structure for the switching components themselves.
3Reliability
If consumers are divided into consumer groups with different safety relevance, then targeted power supply and fault isolation are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Consumers are segmented into consumer groups based on their safety relevance, with each group controllable through the switching means in the multifunction module. This segmentation enables selective power supply to critical consumers during faults while non-critical consumers can be disconnected. The control complexity is managed by organizing consumers into discrete groups rather than individual control, reducing the number of switching elements and control logic required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If galvanic isolation is implemented between different electrical energy stores, then operational flexibility and voltage level management are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter in the multifunction module serves as an intermediary that enables galvanic isolation between different electrical energy stores while maintaining controlled power transfer. The converter adjusts voltage levels between the basic vehicle electrical system and the safety-relevant sub-network, allowing different voltage levels to operate independently without direct galvanic connection, thus providing adaptability while managing complexity through a standardized converter architecture.
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
The solution provides a reliable, flexible, and fault-tolerant electrical supply to safety-relevant consumers, preventing voltage drops and ensuring high-load support, with a scalable and modular structure that reduces costs and enhances system availability, particularly suitable for motor vehicles and other applications requiring high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter (32), via which an energy storage device (40) can be adjusted with regard to its voltage level
Implementation Method 2
at least a first switching means (34, 36) is provided, via which the basic on-board electrical system (10) and the sub-network (20) can be coupled directly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a base on-board power supply to a, in particular safety-related, sub-network, said device comprising: at least one first switching means (34) and one second switching means (36), via which the base on-board power supply (10) and the sub-network (20a) can be directly coupled; at least one DC converter (32); and a first connection (33) and a further connection (35), wherein the first connection (33) is electrically contacted between the first switching means (34) and the second switching means (36), the further connection (35) of the DC converter (32) can be connected to the base on-board power supply (10) via a third switching means (38), and the further connection (35) of the DC converter (32) can be connected to an energy storage means (40) via a fourth switching means (39).