Vehicle Power Distribution Module for Parallel Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upfitter modules in automotive vehicles often fail to support medium or high current applications, are not expandable, do not provide feedback to manage high current loads, and may not support added components like video cameras, leading to potential inefficiencies and complex power distribution architectures.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution module with field effect transistors that sequentially pulse and monitor current flow, using controllers to prevent operation of upfitter modules when parallel connections are detected, ensuring appropriate power distribution and load management through a centralized power supply architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized power distribution module with field effect transistors is used, then power distribution efficiency is improved and parallel connection risks are reduced, but device complexity increases due to sequential pulsing control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by sequentially pulsing field effect transistors before allowing full power distribution. The controller detects electrical parameters during these preliminary pulses to identify parallel connections, preventing problematic connections from establishing full power flow. This preliminary action ensures safety before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors electrical parameters (voltage, current) from each field effect transistor output and uses this feedback to determine whether parallel connections exist. Based on the feedback indicating duplicate input connections, the controller prevents operation of the upfitter module, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains power distribution safety.
2Reliability
If sequential pulsing of field effect transistors is implemented to detect parallel connections, then connection safety is improved, but power distribution speed decreases due to sequential rather than simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic sequential pulsing of field effect transistors at controlled time intervals. Each transistor is pulsed in sequence rather than simultaneously, allowing the system to detect electrical parameters and identify parallel connections. This periodic action maintains reliability while managing the trade-off with power distribution speed through optimized timing.
3Reliability
If the system precludes operation of the upfitter module when parallel connections are detected, then system reliability is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors electrical parameters from each field effect transistor and provides feedback about connection status. When feedback indicates parallel connections (same input connected to multiple outputs), the system precludes upfitter module operation to prevent potential damage. This feedback mechanism ensures system protection while maintaining operational flexibility under normal conditions.
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
Ensures efficient power distribution by preventing parallel connections and managing high current loads, maintaining optimal performance and reducing the risk of overload, while supporting expandability and additional components.
Implementation Method 1
A power distribution module includes a plurality of field effect transistors and a plurality of corresponding outputs that are each able to be connected with one of a plurality of inputs of an upfitter power module
Data Source
AI summary
One or more controllers may, after activation of a vehicle, sequentially pulse field effect transistors of a power distribution module of the vehicle that are connected to inputs of an upfitter power module, and preclude operation of the upfitter power module responsive to, for at least two of the field effect transistors, electrical parameters resulting from the corresponding pulses being reported for a same one of the inputs.