Toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha (20240157800). VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM simplified abstract

VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

Organization Name

toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha

Inventor(s)

Akira Yamamoto of Yokkaichi-shi (JP)

VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240157800 titled 'VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle drive system where a first ECU disconnects the electrical connection between a battery and a motor device in the event of a collision detection signal or disconnection of an interlock line. A second ECU is then activated by a backup power supply to control the discharge of residual charge in the system.

• The first ECU controls a relay to disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and the motor device.
• The second ECU is activated by a backup power supply when the interlock line is disconnected.
• The second ECU controls the PCU to execute a discharge control if it does not receive a discharge command from the first ECU or if a collision is detected.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and other transportation systems where safety mechanisms are crucial.

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the issue of ensuring safety in vehicle drive systems by disconnecting power in the event of a collision or system malfunction.

Benefits

The system provides an added layer of safety by automatically disconnecting power in critical situations, potentially reducing the risk of accidents or damage.

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology can be utilized by automotive manufacturers, electric vehicle companies, and transportation companies to enhance the safety features of their vehicles.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include similar safety mechanisms in vehicle drive systems, such as emergency shut-off systems or collision detection systems.

How does the system differentiate between a collision and other types of malfunctions?

The system likely uses sensors or algorithms to analyze the nature of the event triggering the safety mechanism.

What is the typical response time for the system to disconnect power in case of a collision or interlock line disconnection?

The response time would depend on the design and programming of the system, but it is likely designed to act quickly in emergency situations.

Original Abstract Submitted

in a vehicle drive system, in at least either of a case where a first ecu receives a collision detection signal or a case where an interlock line is disconnected, the first ecu controls a relay such that electrical connection between a battery and a motor device is disconnected. the motor device includes an electric motor for traveling, a pcu, a second ecu, and a backup power supply. the pcu includes one or more capacitors. when the interlock line is disconnected, the second ecu is activated by electric power supplied from the backup power supply activated along with the disconnection. under the condition that the second ecu does not receive, from the first ecu, a discharge command to discharge residual charge or that a determination that a collision occurs is made, the second ecu controls the pcu such that the pcu executes a discharge control.