Vehicular Power Distribution via Distributed DC/DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicular power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently supplying power with suitable voltages to various loads while minimizing the size and weight of wire harnesses, which increase in complexity and weight as the number of electronic control units (ECUs) grows, leading to difficulties in space allocation and increased power loss due to thicker wires required for lower voltages.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular power distribution system comprising a main power control box, sub-power control boxes, and a trunk cable with integrated voltage converters (DC/DC converters) that reduce the number of voltage types transmitted through the main connection cable, allowing each sub-power control box to generate output voltages suitable for different loads, thereby minimizing the number of wires and wire thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electronic control units (ECUs) mounted in a vehicle increases, then the functionality and control capability of the vehicle is improved, but the size and weight of wire harnesses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into multiple power control boxes (main power control box and sub-power control boxes) that are distributed throughout the vehicle. Each power control box independently manages power distribution to nearby ECUs and electric devices, segmenting the previously centralized wire harness system into modular units that reduce overall wire harness size and weight while maintaining the ability to support increased vehicle functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electronic control units (ECUs) mounted in a vehicle increases, then the vehicle control capability is improved, but the space required for wire harnesses increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power distribution into multiple distributed power control boxes, the physical space required for wire harnesses is reduced as each box serves a localized area with its own power conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for extensive central wiring to reach all ECUs throughout the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power control box is equipped with voltage converters that perform power conversion locally at the point of distribution. This local quality approach allows each segment to independently generate required voltages without relying on thick wires from a centralized source, thereby reducing the space and weight of the wire harness infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lower voltage is used to supply power to loads, then the compatibility with electric devices is improved, but the wire thickness and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes voltage parameters by providing multiple voltage outputs (12V, 24V, 48V) from each power control box based on the specific requirements of connected devices. This allows the system to use higher voltages for power-intensive loads to reduce current and power loss, while maintaining compatibility with devices requiring lower voltages through appropriate voltage selection and conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power control box contains voltage converters that perform local voltage conversion, allowing the system to deliver appropriate voltages locally without requiring thick wires for low-voltage distribution. This local conversion capability enables efficient power delivery by matching voltage levels to device requirements at the point of consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage types are transmitted through the main connection cable, then the versatility of power supply is improved, but the number of wires and wire harness complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the voltage conversion function into individual power control boxes distributed throughout the vehicle. Each box receives a single primary voltage through the main connection cable and independently converts it to multiple output voltages locally, eliminating the need to transmit multiple voltage types through the main cable and thereby reducing wire harness complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power control box acts as an intermediary that receives power at one voltage level through the main connection cable and converts it to multiple required voltage levels locally. This intermediary approach maintains power supply versatility while simplifying the main cable configuration, as the conversion function is performed at distributed points rather than requiring complex multi-voltage cable arrangements.
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
This configuration enables efficient power distribution with suitable voltages to various loads, reducing wire harness size and weight, and suppressing the enlargement of wire harnesses by using thinner wires for higher voltage transmission and generating required voltages locally, thus optimizing power supply and reducing power loss.
Implementation Method 1
at least the second power control box includes at least one voltage converter which generates output power of second voltage from input power of first voltage determined in advance
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular power distribution system includes a first and second power control boxes which are configured to distribute the power, and a main connection cable which electrically connects the first power control box and the second power control box. At least the second power control box includes at least one voltage converter which generates output power of second voltage from input power of first voltage determined in advance. A number of kinds of voltage of power passing the main connection cable is smaller than each of a number of kinds of voltage outputted from the first power control box and a number of kinds of voltage outputted from the second power control box.