Automatic Voltage Switchover for Vehicle Control Unit Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power supply systems for electric vehicles' Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) face challenges in automatically switching between 12V and 24V voltages, leading to malfunctions and user confusion, as existing systems require separate power supplies for different voltage standards and lack an efficient method for voltage determination.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with an automatic switchover voltage feature, utilizing a supply communication module that initially provides 12V and automatically switches to 24V if no message is received from the VCU within a specified time interval, ensuring stable and proper voltage supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate power supplies are equipped for 12V and 24V auxiliary power, then both voltage standards can be supported, but the complexity of circuits increases and circuit components deplete faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage standard compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply module is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both 12V and 24V output voltages through a single device. The module can automatically or manually switch between voltage standards, eliminating the need for separate power supplies for different voltage requirements while maintaining compatibility with both 12V and 24V vehicle systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply module incorporates dynamic voltage switching capability that allows it to adapt between 12V and 24V output based on the connected vehicle's requirements. The system can automatically detect the vehicle type and switch voltage accordingly, or allow manual selection, making the circuit complexity manageable through intelligent control rather than fixed hardwired configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If users manually determine voltage supply for VCU, then charging can be performed, but users may be confused or forgetful about their EVs' voltage power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging operationVSAvoidvoltage selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system incorporates automatic voltage detection and switching functionality that allows the system to determine and configure the appropriate voltage (12V or 24V) without requiring user knowledge or manual intervention. The module automatically detects the vehicle type through communication protocols and configures the power supply accordingly, making the charging process self-service oriented and eliminating user confusion about voltage selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses communication modules to establish connection with the vehicle's control unit and receives feedback signals that indicate the vehicle's voltage requirements. Based on this feedback, the power supply module automatically adjusts its output voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates the need for manual voltage determination by users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If 12V power supply is used for 24V APS of VCU, then charging can proceed, but the operating voltage cannot meet the demands resulting in malfunctioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging processVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply module dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the connected vehicle's auxiliary power supply requirements. It can switch between 12V and 24V output modes to match the vehicle's APS specification, ensuring that the operating voltage always meets the demands of the connected device and preventing malfunctioning during charging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the vehicle type and voltage requirements before initiating power supply. By establishing communication with the vehicle's control unit in advance and determining the appropriate voltage mode, the system prepares the correct operating parameters before power delivery begins, preventing voltage mismatch and ensuring reliable operation from the start of charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3272571B1A power supply system for vehicle control unit and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 PHIHONG TECH CO LTD
  • EP3272571B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272571B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3272571B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply system with automatic switchover voltage for vehicle control unit is proposed. The system comprises a supply communication module configured to communicate with a vehicle control unit, the supply communication module comprising a power supply module to provide power for a vehicle control unit; and a communication device coupled to the supply communication module for showing power supply status; wherein the supply communication module provides a first direct voltage and communicates with the vehicle control unit before supplying power, and if the supply communication module does not receive any message from the vehicle control unit within a first time interval, the supply communication module automatically switches to a second direct voltage from the first direct voltage or automatically increases the first direct voltage within a second time interval, and supplies power to the vehicle control unit; and wherein the second direct voltage is greater than the first direct voltage.