Voltage Regulator for Ignition Power Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition power modules are inefficient due to high power loss and require larger designs to compensate for voltage drops during autarkic operation, and lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator is placed between the energy reserve and the ignition power module to minimize voltage at the ignition power module, with a safety semiconductor and diagnostic functions to manage and protect the ignition system, including a polarity reversal protection diode and current source for diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a higher energy reserve voltage is built up to compensate for voltage drop during autarkic operation, then the control unit can operate without fault during ignition, but the ignition power modules must be designed for greater power loss resulting in larger size
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage regulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the energy reserve and the ignition power modules. This regulator actively manages voltage distribution, providing the necessary voltage level to the control unit during autarkic operation while preventing excessive voltage from reaching the ignition power modules, thereby reducing their power loss and size requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator dynamically adjusts voltage parameters based on operational mode. During autarkic operation, it maintains an elevated voltage level for the control unit, while during ignition operation, it regulates the voltage to an optimal level for the ignition power modules, thereby optimizing both reliability and size without compromise
2Volume of moving object
If the voltage on the ignition power module is kept at the lowest required level to minimize power loss, then the ignition power modules can be smaller, but the control unit may not have sufficient voltage during autarkic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator serves as a mediator that decouples the voltage requirements of the control unit and ignition power modules. It accepts voltage from the energy reserve and conditionally distributes appropriate voltage levels to each component based on operational needs, ensuring both receive optimal voltage without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator dynamically adapts its output voltage based on the operational state of the system. During autarkic operation, it provides higher voltage to the control unit, while during ignition operation, it provides optimized voltage to the ignition power modules, making the system adaptable rather than static
3Device complexity
If no safety mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but malfunction of ignition power modules cannot be prevented or detected
Solution Approach 1:
The safety semiconductor acts as an intermediary protective component between the energy reserve and ignition power modules. It can rapidly disconnect the energy supply in case of detected malfunctions, preventing catastrophic failures while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic function implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the operational status of ignition power modules. By detecting anomalies and triggering appropriate safety responses, the system achieves high reliability through intelligent monitoring rather than through complex mechanical safety structures
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 reduces power loss in ignition power modules, allowing for smaller designs and enhanced safety through the safety semiconductor's ability to prevent malfunctions and diagnose issues, while maintaining reliable operation during voltage drops.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator, which adjusts the voltage at the ignition power module to a predetermined level
Implementation Method 2
a disconnectable voltage regulator also has the function of a safety semiconductor, which allows electric current to be supplied to the at least one ignition power module
Implementation Method 3
the safety semiconductor to have at least one power transistor, preferably a MOSFET transistor
Implementation Method 4
an additional gate power supply with a diode and capacitor may also be advantageous. This input is an attenuated energy reserve voltage, so that during an energy reserve voltage drop, a higher voltage is available for gate triggering of the power transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level.