Vehicle Power Switching Unit for Resettable Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems in vehicles face limitations due to the need for frequent and costly replacements of fuses in response to overcurrent or overvoltage events, which can disrupt vehicle operations and require individually designed fuses for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a switching unit that uses both software and hardware limits to control the connection and disconnection of consumers to or from the power source, allowing for flexible protection and rapid response to malfunctions without the need for physical replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuse is used to protect against overcurrent, then protection is provided, but the fuse requires replacement after blowing which is time and cost consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fuse system with an electronic switching unit that uses software-configurable current limits and rapid switching elements (MOSFETs/IGBTs) to provide overcurrent protection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical fuse replacement by using controllable electronic switches that can be reset through software control when overcurrent conditions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configurable current limit parameters that can be adjusted through software to match different consumer requirements. The switching unit monitors current flow and automatically switches off when the configured limit is exceeded, providing adaptive protection without requiring physical component changes or replacements.
2Reliability
If a fuse with fixed limit characteristics is used, then protection is provided, but each application requires individually designed fuses for different limits
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is designed as a universal protection device that can serve multiple different consumers with varying current requirements. Through software configuration, the same hardware unit can be adapted to different current limits and protection scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fuse designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability where the current protection limits are not fixed but can be changed through software parameters. This allows the protection system to adapt to different applications and requirements without physical reconfiguration or replacement of hardware components.
3Reliability
If a fuse blows to protect a consumer, then the consumer is disconnected from the power source, but the performance of the vehicle is limited until the fuse is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit incorporates continuous current monitoring and feedback control mechanisms. When an overcurrent condition is detected, the system automatically switches off the affected consumer and can be reset through software control once the fault condition is resolved, allowing rapid restoration of vehicle performance without manual intervention or component replacement.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power distribution system (1) for a vehicle, comprising: at least one power source (20), at least one consumer (30) connectable to the at least one power source (20) via a power supply line (22), and a switching unit (10) arranged in the power supply line (22) between the at least one power source (20) and the at least one consumer (30) and configured to connect and/or disconnect the at least one consumer (30) to or from the power source (20), wherein the switching unit (10) comprises a switch (11) configured to connect and/or disconnect the at least one consumer (30) to or from the power source (20) in accordance with at least one predetermined software limit and at least one hardware limit (18) of a set value and type.