Vehicle Power Management for Dark Current Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart junction boxes for vehicle power management are limited in shutting off dark current as they only cut off specific loads based on fixed time schedules, failing to adapt to varying battery states effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power management apparatus and method that determines battery states and adjusts load interruptions accordingly, using a microcomputer and communication module to control power supply to different loads based on preset conditions, ensuring efficient dark current shutdown by considering both battery state and elapsed time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed time schedule is used to cut off loads, then control simplicity is improved, but dark current shutdown effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed-time schedule to a dynamic control strategy that adapts to varying battery states. The microcomputer monitors battery voltage and adjusts load cutoff timing and scope accordingly, enabling the system to optimize dark current shutdown effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity through automated state-based decision-making.
2Loss of energy
If all loads are cut off at once, then energy loss is reduced, but reliability of future startability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments loads into different categories (first group and second group) with different cutoff strategies. Critical loads required for future startability are maintained while non-critical loads are cut off to conserve battery power. This segmentation enables selective power management that balances energy conservation with reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (which loads remain active, cutoff timing) based on real-time battery state assessment. When battery voltage indicates sufficient charge, more loads can be cut off; when voltage drops below thresholds, critical loads are preserved to ensure future startability, thus adapting power management strategy to current battery conditions.
3Loss of energy
If battery state monitoring is added, then dark current shutdown effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer performs multiple functions: it monitors battery state, determines appropriate cutoff strategies, controls relay actuators, and manages communication protocols. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent achieves effective battery state-based dark current shutdown without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same hardware resource handles diverse control tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for managing power of a vehicle and a method of controlling the same, for effectively shutting off dark current are disclosed. The method includes determining a first battery state when a preset first condition is satisfied; cutting off a first portion load or all loads based on the determination of the first battery state; determining a second battery state when a preset second condition is satisfied; and releasing load interruption or cutting off a second portion load except for the first portion load from the all loads based on the determination of the second battery state.