Vehicle Electrical Source Control Apparatus Speed-Based Target Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical source control systems for vehicles with both high capacity and high output electrical sources fail to effectively utilize these sources due to differing characteristics, leading to suboptimal driving performance and fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electrical source control apparatus that dynamically adjusts the target power levels of both sources based on vehicle speed, prioritizing the high output source for acceleration and regeneration, and optimizing the high capacity source for constant speed operation, with a setting device that differentiates the rate of change of target amounts for each source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the maximum charged amount for the capacitor is set based on vehicle speed, then the capacitor can operate longer, but the battery and capacitor cannot be used effectively due to different characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor operation timeVSAvoidelectrical source utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different control strategies for different electrical sources based on their characteristics. The capacitor is controlled to discharge during acceleration and regeneration, while the battery handles constant speed operation. This differentiated approach allows each electrical source to operate in its optimal range, resolving the contradiction between extending capacitor life and utilizing both sources effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting the charged amounts and discharge rates of the capacitor and battery based on real-time vehicle speed and operating conditions. The control device dynamically determines the optimal charged amount for the capacitor during regeneration, ensuring it discharges during acceleration rather than remaining in high-voltage state, thus extending its operational life while maintaining system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If the capacitor remains in high-voltage state close to rating, then it can provide maximum power, but its operational time period decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor output powerVSAvoidcapacitor operational time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively controlling the capacitor to discharge during acceleration phases before it would naturally remain in high-voltage state. The control device predicts acceleration needs and directs the capacitor to discharge in advance, preventing it from staying in the high-voltage state that would extend its life but reduce power availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the capacitor dynamically based on vehicle operating conditions. During acceleration, the capacitor is allowed to discharge to lower voltage levels, extending its operational life. During regeneration, the control device limits the charged amount to prevent the capacitor from remaining in high-voltage state, thus balancing power availability with operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the battery provides all discharge output, then the capacitor is protected from rapid discharge, but the battery deteriorates faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor protectionVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the discharge function between two electrical sources: the capacitor handles rapid discharge during acceleration, while the battery provides sustained power during constant speed operation. This segmentation allows the capacitor to absorb the stress of rapid discharge cycles, protecting it from deterioration, while the battery operates in a more stable regime, extending its life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the capacitor and battery. It determines the optimal charged amount for the capacitor during regeneration and directs discharge paths based on vehicle needs. This intermediary control ensures the capacitor discharges during acceleration rather than remaining charged, protecting both the capacitor and battery from excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the high capacity electrical source is used for all operations, then system complexity is reduced, but fuel efficiency and driving performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoiddriving performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control that automatically switches between different electrical sources based on vehicle operating conditions. During acceleration, the capacitor is utilized for rapid power delivery; during constant speed operation, the battery handles the load. This dynamic switching optimizes driving performance and fuel efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention, as the control device autonomously manages the transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the electrical source system based on vehicle speed and acceleration demands. The control device adjusts the charged amount of the capacitor during regeneration and determines discharge rates based on real-time conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to utilize both electrical sources effectively, improving fuel efficiency and driving performance while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9669727B2Electrical source control apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.06.06 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US9669727B2 patent drawing
  • US9669727B2 patent drawing
  • US9669727B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical source control apparatus controls a vehicle which travels by using an electrical source system including a first electrical source and a second electrical source. The electrical source control apparatus has: a controlling device for controlling the first and second electrical sources to set a residual power level of the first electrical source equal to first target amount and to set a residual power level of the second electrical source equal to second target amount, and a setting device for setting the first and second target amounts such that each of the first and second target amounts becomes smaller as a speed of the vehicle becomes larger. The setting device sets the first and second target amounts such that a rate of change of the second target amount to the speed is larger than a rate of change of the first target amount to the speed.