Vehicle Onboard Voltage Stabilization via Dynamic Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard power supply systems in vehicles face instability issues, particularly during the restarting or additional starting of internal-combustion engines, which can lead to malfunctions in voltage-sensitive components, necessitating additional or larger components and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement and method that utilize a storage unit, a second voltage supply unit, and a control unit to stabilize the voltage applied to voltage-sensitive devices by connecting them in series with the original voltage supply unit during instability, using energy stored in the storage unit and provided by the second voltage supply unit to maintain a stable voltage, without requiring additional components or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional voltage supply units or larger components are used to stabilize the onboard power supply voltage, then the stability of voltage-sensitive components is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that alternates between a first voltage supply unit (battery) and a second voltage supply unit (capacitor bank) based on real-time voltage stability requirements. The control unit monitors voltage fluctuations and dynamically connects the appropriate power supply unit to the voltage-sensitive component, enabling adaptive voltage stabilization without permanently adding complex stabilization circuitry. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while avoiding the complexity of always-active additional supply units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously monitors the onboard power supply voltage and automatically switches between power supply units without external intervention. When voltage instability is detected, the control unit activates the second voltage supply unit (capacitor bank) to stabilize voltage for sensitive components. When stability is sufficient, it switches back to the first voltage supply unit (battery). This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual control systems or additional complex stabilization infrastructure.
2Reliability
If additional voltage supply units or larger components are used to stabilize the onboard power supply voltage, then the operation of voltage-sensitive components is ensured, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second voltage supply unit (capacitor bank) serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during voltage instability, provides transient current during engine restarts, and stabilizes voltage for sensitive components. By making this component multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated stabilization devices, reducing overall system cost while ensuring reliable operation of voltage-sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing power supply units by dynamically adjusting which unit is active based on voltage stability conditions. Instead of using always-active additional supply units or oversized components, the system changes the voltage supply configuration in response to actual operating conditions, achieving cost-effective stabilization by utilizing existing components in flexible ways rather than adding permanent expensive infrastructure.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to stabilize the voltage, then the voltage stability is improved, but the available space in the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage stabilization function with the existing dual voltage supply system (battery and capacitor bank). Instead of adding separate dedicated stabilization components, the control unit combines the functions of power supply and voltage stabilization by intelligently switching between the battery and capacitor bank. This merging approach achieves voltage stability without requiring additional space-consuming stabilization hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank serves multiple purposes: it provides auxiliary power during high-demand situations, stabilizes voltage for sensitive components, and acts as a buffer during transitions between power sources. By making existing components multi-functional, the patent achieves comprehensive voltage stabilization without adding dedicated space-consuming stabilization equipment, thereby preserving valuable vehicle space.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and space-efficient method to stabilize the onboard power supply voltage, ensuring the operation of voltage-sensitive components during vehicle operations, such as restarting or additional starting of the internal-combustion engine, without the need for additional components or increased dimensions, thus maintaining vehicle safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a storage unit (34) constructed for storing electric energy at least temporarily
Implementation Method 2
a charging of the storage unit (34) becomes possible by way of a current path (62) formed by the second voltage supply unit (36) and the second electric consuming device (44)
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement and method are provided for stabilizing a voltage applied to a first electric consumer arranged in a vehicle onboard power supply system that includes a second electric consumer. A first voltage supply unit provides a supply voltage; a storage unit stores electric energy; a second voltage supply unit provides a charging voltage; a switching unit is connected to the first consumer, the storage unit, the first voltage supply unit and the second voltage supply unit; and a control unit determines whether a stabilization is to be carried out. If no stabilization is to be carried out, the control unit activates the switching unit such that the first consumer is connected to the first voltage supply unit and, as soon as the stabilization is to be carried out, the first consumer is connected to a series connection formed by the storage unit and the first voltage supply unit.