Vehicle Power Source Switch Failure Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power sources face difficulties in determining failures in switches, such as closed or open seizures, which can impede proper functioning and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power source system that includes a generator, lithium ion and lead batteries, switches controlled by control signals, and a failure determiner using current and potential measurements to diagnose switch failures, ensuring reliable operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If switches are used to control coupling states of generator to power storage devices, then operational flexibility and energy efficiency are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential switch failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by continuously monitoring switch states and comparing actual currents with expected currents based on control signals. This allows detection of potential switch failures (open or closed seizures) before they cause system malfunction, maintaining reliability while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic unit provides feedback by continuously monitoring the actual current through the power storage device and comparing it with the expected current derived from control signals and power generation amount. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of switch failures, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining the ability to flexibly control power flow for energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If switch failure detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own operational data (control signals, power generation amount, actual current) to detect switch failures. The diagnostic unit leverages existing system components and measurements without requiring external diagnostic equipment, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the switches for normal operation, monitors actual currents, calculates expected currents, and performs diagnostic comparisons to detect switch failures. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability through failure detection without requiring separate dedicated diagnostic hardware, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 system effectively determines switch failures, preventing operational issues and enhancing energy efficiency by maintaining optimal battery charging and discharging states.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (16) coupled to an engine (12)
Implementation Method 2
a first switch (SW1) switched based on a control signal, between a conductive state and a cut-off state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle power source includes a first switch, a second switch, a connection point, and a failure determiner. The first switch is switched between conductive/cut-off states of a generator and a first power storage. The second switch is switched between conductive/cut-off states of the generator and a second power storage. The connection point couples a first conduction path, a second conduction path, and a third conduction path to one another, in which the first conduction path is coupled to a positive electrode terminal of the first power storage. The failure determiner executes failure determination processing that involves determining a failure in one or both of the first switch and the second switch, based on control signals of the first switch and the second switch, and a current and a potential of the first conduction path.