Vehicle Power Distribution State Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid-electric vehicles face challenges in managing complex power distribution systems with multiple voltage levels and high current flows, leading to abrupt power interruptions and potential damage during emergency shutdowns, as traditional ignition switches lack direct mechanical links to power circuits and rely on indirect computer-controlled relay states.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with a multi-division power distribution system, an electrical power storage system, and a control system that includes programmable controllers and switching devices, allowing for selective connection of power divisions and loads, and an operator-actuated state transition initiator to manage predefined power distribution states, ensuring safe power cutoff and protecting high voltage switching devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ignition switches are used in hybrid-electric vehicles, then the vehicle maintains compatibility with conventional control elements, but the electrical system cannot be properly isolated during emergency shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple isolated sections with individual control. The emergency shutdown switch creates a separate, independent control path that directly isolates high voltage power distribution from the battery, independent of the computer-controlled ignition switch. This segmentation allows the emergency switch to reliably isolate electrical systems without relying on the indirect computer control path.
2Extent of automation
If computer-controlled relay states are used to manage power distribution, then the system achieves precise control over electrical components, but abrupt power interruptions can occur during emergency shutdowns causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency shutdown switch is positioned and wired to activate preliminary protective actions before damage can occur. When activated, it immediately opens the high voltage disconnect switch, creating a predetermined safe state that prevents abrupt power interruptions from damaging contactors and other electrical components, regardless of the computer control system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency shutdown switch introduces an intermediary mechanical control element between the operator and the high voltage power distribution. This intermediary switch provides a direct, fail-safe control path that mediates between the computer-controlled system and the physical power flow, preventing harmful abrupt interruptions by creating a controlled transition state.
3Productivity
If multiple voltage levels and high current flows are managed through a single control system, then the system integrates power distribution efficiently, but the complexity of state management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex power distribution system into distinct voltage levels and functional sections, each with its own control mechanisms. The emergency shutdown switch specifically controls the high voltage section, while other sections maintain their own control paths. This segmentation reduces state management complexity by allowing independent control of each segment rather than managing all states through a single control point.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of distribution sub-systems, an electrical power storage sub-system and a plurality of switching devices for selective connection of elements of and loads on the power distribution system to the electrical power storage sub-system. A state transition initiator provides inputs to control system operation of switching devices to change the states of the power distribution system. The state transition initiator has a plurality of positions selection of which can initiate a state transition. The state transition initiator can emulate a four position rotary ignition switch. Fail safe power cutoff switches provide high voltage switching device protection.