Vehicle Power Hub Control for Scene-Based Current Limiting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle power supply systems fail to minimize power feeding to individual electronic devices as the number of devices increases, leading to inefficient power consumption, especially when the vehicle's usage scenario changes.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle power supply system with multiple power supply hubs connected via main and sub feed lines, controlled by a device that adjusts power feeding based on current consumption conditions, including energization time, power usage, and standby current, to adhere to predetermined allowable limits according to the vehicle's usage scenario, such as during transportation, parking, or program updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of electronic devices is increased in the vehicle, then the functionality and convenience are improved, but the power consumption exceeds the allowable limit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple power supply hubs (first power supply hub, second power supply hub, etc.) that are connected in series along the main feed line. Each hub independently manages power distribution to specific electronic devices, allowing selective control of power supply to different segments of the system based on usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically adjusts power feeding to electronic devices based on usage conditions. The system transitions between different power supply states (full power, partial power, standby) depending on whether the vehicle is in use, parked, or undergoing updates, optimizing power consumption in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If power is continuously supplied to all electronic devices, then device availability is improved, but power waste increases during non-usage periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements periodic power supply control based on usage patterns. During parking or update periods, power is reduced to standby levels for non-critical devices. When the vehicle is in use, power is restored to full levels, creating a periodic on-demand power supply rhythm that eliminates waste while maintaining availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply hubs automatically adjust power distribution based on signals from the control device without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates power flow to each hub and its connected devices according to the overall vehicle usage state, enabling autonomous power optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If power feeding is not controlled according to usage scenes, then system simplicity is maintained, but battery depletion occurs prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device pre-establishes power supply strategies for different usage scenes (parking, updating, normal operation). Before entering a specific scene, the system configures appropriate power distribution patterns, ensuring that power is optimized for the upcoming operational context and preventing premature battery depletion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the vehicle usage state and provides feedback to adjust power feeding accordingly. The system tracks whether the vehicle is being used, parked, or updated, and dynamically modifies power distribution to match the current scene, creating a closed-loop control system that extends battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4001018B1In-vehicle power supply system
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP4001018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001018B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001018B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An in-vehicle power supply system includes first to sixth power supply hubs (11 to 16) connected to a main feed line (L1), electronic devices (D11 to D14, D21 to D25, and D31 to D33) connected to the first to sixth power supply hubs (11 to 16) via a sub feed line (L2 to L4), and a control device (first to sixth ECUs 21 to 26 and a central control device 3) configured to control power feeding to the electronic devices (D11 to D14, D21 to D25, and D31 to D33). The control device is configured to control, based on a condition regarding a current consumption of the electronic devices (D11 to D14, D21 to D25, and D31 to D33), power feeding to the electronic devices (D11 to D14, D21 to D25, and D31 to D33) such that the current consumption of the electronic devices (D11 to D14, D21 to D25, and D31 to D33) is lower than an allowable current consumption that is predetermined in accordance with a scene of using a vehicle.