Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control mechanism. In particular, the present disclosure provides a control system for controlling one or more peripherals.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently, in many vehicles, low voltage peripherals are controlled using high current switches that are directly placed in series with the peripherals. However, this setup lacks an ability to provide smart control over these peripherals. To enable smart control, switch inputs are connected directly to a microcontroller (MCU), which then governs the peripherals based on a logic of the switch inputs. A challenge with this approach is that the pins of the MCU are not designed to handle higher currents, which limits the choice of switches to low current options. Unfortunately, these low current switches tend to be more expensive than their high current counterparts.
[0003] The higher cost of low current switches can be attributed due to leakage current and Ingress Protection (IP) sealing requirements. These requirements are necessary to ensure that the low current switches operate reliably in different environments. As a result, usage of microswitches becomes a necessity due to their ability to meet these requirements. While the microswitches enable smart control of the peripherals, their higher cost compared to high current switches presents a challenge for manufacturers looking to implement smart control systems in vehicles.
[0004] Despite the cost challenges, use of the microswitches offers several benefits. By enabling smart control of the peripherals, the microswitches can improve an overall efficiency and user experience of the vehicle. Additionally, the ability to interface directly with the MCU opens up possibilities for advanced features such as diagnostics, remote monitoring, and integration with other electronic systems in the vehicle.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for a cost-effective control system for controlling one or more peripherals of the vehicle by overcoming the deficiencies in the prior art(s).

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system for controlling one or more peripherals in a cost-effective manner.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide high current switches for smart control of peripherals through a microcontroller.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that ensures higher current through switches and satisfies low current requirements of a microcontroller.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that has better reliability and better signal to noise ratio.

SUMMARY
[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a control mechanism. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system for controlling one or more peripherals.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a system for controlling one or more peripherals. The system includes a switch mechanism connected in series with at least one current-controlled voltage source. The system includes a microcontroller electrically connected to the switch mechanism, and configured to receive one or more current inputs from the switch mechanism. The system includes a driver circuit operatively connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to control the one or more peripherals via the driver circuit based on the one or more current inputs received by the microcontroller.
[0012] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may be electrically connected to the one or more peripherals via the driver circuit.
[0013] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may be connected to the switch mechanism through at least one of a resistor and a thermistor.
[0014] In an embodiment, the resistor may be configured to dissipate constant power when the one or more current inputs are passed through the resistor from the current-controlled voltage source to the microcontroller.
[0015] In an embodiment, the thermistor may be configured to reduce power dissipation when the one or more current inputs are passed through the thermistor from the current-controlled voltage source to the microcontroller.
[0016] In an embodiment, the one or more peripherals may be associated with an electric vehicle.
[0017] In an embodiment, the system may manage higher current levels through the switch mechanism, and lower current levels through the microcontroller.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematic view of a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an example representation of a high current switch circuit.
[0022] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate example representations of a low current switch circuit.
[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates an example block diagram of a control system for controlling one or more peripherals, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIGs. 4B and 4C illustrate example representations of a high current switch circuit with a microcontroller, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0027] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.
[0028] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0029] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0030] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in FIG. 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in FIG. 2.
[0033] An Electric Vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the electric vehicle may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the electric vehicle over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0034] In construction, an EV (10) typically comprises a battery or battery pack (12) enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger (14), a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor (16) and an electric transmission system (18). The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery of an EV (10) (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV, wherein the battery (12) is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure (20). The battery may be charged using Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC), wherein in case of AC input, the on-board charger (14) converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery via the BMS. However, in case of DC charging, the on-board charger (14) is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery via the BMS.
[0035] The battery (12) is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery (12) is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV (10) without the requirement of a host computer.
[0036] The MCU primarily controls/regulates the operation of the electric motor based on the signal transmitted from the vehicle battery, wherein the primary functions of the MCU include starting of the electric motor (16), stopping the electric motor (16), controlling the speed of the electric motor (16), enabling the vehicle to move in the reverse direction and protect the electric motor (16) from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor (16) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, wherein the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV to facilitate movement of the EV. Additionally, the electric motor (16) also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking/deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV). The types of motors generally employed in EVs include, but are not limited to DC series motor, Brushless DC motor (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0037] The transmission system (18) of the EV (10) facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor (16) to the wheels (22a,22b) of the EV. Generally, the transmission systems (18) used in EVs include single speed transmission system and multi-speed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system, wherein the single speed transmission system comprises a single gear pair whereby the EV is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed/two-speed transmission system comprises a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitates higher torque and vehicle speed.
[0038] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV (10) and/or charging infrastructure (20) are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud) (24), wherein the processed data is indicated to the rider/driver of the EV (10) through a display unit present in the dashboard (26) of the EV (10). In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an example representation of a high current switch circuit (200).
[0040] With reference to FIG. 2, in the high current switch circuit (200), a peripheral load (208) may be directly driven by a 12V supply (202). The current flowing through the peripheral load (208) may be controlled solely by a resistor (206). This means that the resistor (206) may determine an amount of current that flows through the peripheral load (208) when a high current switch (204) is closed. In the high current switch circuit (200), the high current switch (204) may be the only means of controlling the peripheral load (208), and there is no provision for controlling the peripheral load (208) through a microcontroller.
[0041] Since control of the peripheral load (208) through the microcontroller is not possible in the high current switch circuit (200), certain features related to automated control of the peripheral load (208) are not achievable. For example, features such as "take me home lights," which automatically turn on the lights of a vehicle to illuminate a path to the driver's home, or "auto indicator off," which automatically turns off turn signal indicators after a certain period, may not be implemented. Similarly, features like "emergency stop signals," which activate the vehicle's hazard lights during sudden braking, are also not possible without control through the microcontroller. This may restrict the functionality and automation capabilities of the circuit.
[0042] Further, the high current switch circuit (200) may lack Ingress Protection (IP) sealing, which result in higher leakage currents in the circuit. The high current switch circuit (200) may fail to facilitate smart control of the peripheral load (208) using the microcontroller. Furthermore, the high current switch circuit (200) may fail to reliably control low current loads. This means that devices or components requiring low current levels may not operate as intended or may experience erratic behaviour due to the limitations of the system.
[0043] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate example representations of a low current switch circuit (300).
[0044] With reference to FIGs. 3A and 3B, the low current switch circuit (300) may include a low current switch (302). The low current switch (302) may not be directly connected in series with a peripheral load (308). Instead, the low current switch circuit (300) may include a microcontroller (304) that first detects a low current input and then controls the peripheral load (308) through a driver circuit (306). This arrangement may allow the microcontroller (304) to manage the operation of the peripheral load (308) based on the input received from the low current switch (302).
[0045] However, the current handled by the microcontroller (304) in the low current switch circuit (300) is extremely low, which means that the low current switch/switches (302) used in the low current switch circuit (300) are specifically designed to handle very low current levels. These low current switches (302) may be often more expensive than switches designed for higher current levels due to their specialized design and a need for precise control over low current levels.
[0046] The use of the microcontroller (304) in the low current switch circuit (300) may allow for more sophisticated control and automation of the peripheral load (308), but it may result in higher costs due to the specialized design.
[0047] The low current switch circuit (300) may require additional IP sealing on terminals and wire-outs, and may operate only at lower voltages. The low current switch circuit (300) may require more wiring and ground commonization may not possible in the low current switch circuit (300). The low voltage signals may be prone to more noises due to poor signal to noise ratio, and may be less immune to external Electromagnetic interference (EMI) noises.
[0048] Embodiments explained herein relate to a control mechanism. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system for controlling one or more peripherals, for example, one or more peripherals associated with an electric vehicle.
[0049] In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a system for controlling one or more peripherals. The system may include a switch mechanism connected in series with at least one current-controlled voltage source. The system may include a microcontroller electrically connected to the switch mechanism, and configured to receive one or more current inputs from the switch mechanism. The system may include a driver circuit operatively connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to control the one or more peripherals via the driver circuit based on the one or more current inputs received by the microcontroller.
[0050] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C.
[0051] With reference to FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C, a control system (400) for controlling one or more peripherals may be illustrated, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be appreciated that the control system (400) may be interchangeably referred to as a smart high current switch circuit throughout the disclosure.
[0052] In an embodiment, the control system (400) may include a switch mechanism (402) connected in series with at least one current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b). The current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) may be, for example, a 3.3V source and a 12V source. The current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) may be used to regulate the current flowing through the smart high current switch circuit. The current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) may adjust its output voltage in response to changes in the current flowing through it, thereby controlling the current to a desired level.
[0053] In an embodiment, the control system (400) may include a microcontroller (MCU) (406) electrically connected to the switch mechanism (402). The microcontroller (406) may be configured to receive one or more current inputs from the switch mechanism (402).
[0054] In an embodiment, the control system (400) may include a driver circuit (408). The driver circuit (408) may be operatively connected to the microcontroller (406). In an embodiment, the microcontroller (406) may be electrically connected to one or more peripheral loads (410) via the driver circuit (408). It may be appreciated that the one or more peripheral loads (410) may be interchangeably referred to as one or more peripherals (410) throughout the disclosure. The one or more peripherals (410) may be associated with an electric vehicle. For example, the one or more peripherals (410) associated with the electric vehicle, may include, but not limited to, an indicator, batteries, chargers, horns, take me home lights, emergency stop signals, hazard lights, and the like.
[0055] In an embodiment, the microcontroller (406) may be configured to control the one or more peripherals (410) via the driver circuit (408) based on the one or more current inputs received by the microcontroller (406). In an embodiment, the driver circuit (408) may amplify or modify signals from the microcontroller (406) to perform smart control of the one or more peripherals (410). This may ensure that the signals from the microcontroller (406) are compatible with the requirements of the one or more peripherals (410).
[0056] Therefore, the microcontroller (406) may be responsible for receiving one or more current inputs, making decisions based on the one or more current inputs, and sending signals to the driver circuit (408) to control the one or more peripherals (410) accordingly. This arrangement may allow for the smart control of the one or more peripherals (410) based on real-time current inputs, enabling efficient and effective operation of the control system (400).
[0057] In an embodiment, the microcontroller (406) may be connected to the switch mechanism (402) through a resistor. The resistor may be configured to dissipate constant power when the one or more current inputs are passed through the resistor from the current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) to the microcontroller (406).
[0058] In an embodiment, the microcontroller (406) may be connected to the switch mechanism (402) through a thermistor. The thermistor may be a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The thermistor may be configured to reduce power dissipation when the one or more current inputs are passed through the thermistor from the current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) to the microcontroller (406).
[0059] In an embodiment, the control system (400) may maintain higher current levels through the switch mechanism (402), and lower current levels through the microcontroller (406). Therefore, the control system (400) may efficiently manage both higher and lower current levels, using the switch mechanism (402) and the microcontroller (406), ensuring that each of the switch mechanism (402) and the microcontroller (406) receives appropriate level of current for its operation. The control system (400) may enable high current to flow through the switch mechanism (402) while retaining smart control of the one or more peripherals (410), leading to a substantial reduction in switch costs.
[0060] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[0061] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0063] The present disclosure provides a control system for controlling one or more peripherals in a cost-effective manner.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a control system that may not require Ingress Protection (IP) sealing.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a control system that is capable of operating at higher voltages, currents, and power levels.
[0066] The present disclosure provides a control system that facilitates smart control of peripherals.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a control system that enables high current to flow through a switch mechanism while retaining smart control of the peripherals, leading to a substantial reduction in switch costs.
[0068] The present disclosure provides a control system that has improved reliability, reduced wiring complexity, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and better immunity to external electromagnetic interference.
List of References:
Control System (400)
Switch mechanism (402)
Current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b)
Microcontroller (406)
Driver Circuit (408)
Peripheral load (410)
, Claims:1. A control system (400) for controlling one or more peripherals (410), the control system (400) comprising:
a switch mechanism (402) connected in series with at least one current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b);
a microcontroller (406) electrically connected to the switch mechanism (402), and configured to receive one or more current inputs from the switch mechanism (402); and
a driver circuit (408) operatively connected to the microcontroller (406), wherein the microcontroller (406) is configured to control one or more peripherals (410) via the driver circuit (408) based on the one or more current inputs.

2. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (406) is electrically connected to the one or more peripherals (410) via the driver circuit (408).

3. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (406) is connected to the switch mechanism (402) through at least one of: a resistor and a thermistor.

4. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the resistor is configured to dissipate constant power when the one or more current inputs are passed through the resistor from the at least one current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) to the microcontroller (406).

5. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the thermistor is configured to reduce power dissipation when the one or more current inputs are passed through the thermistor from the at least one current-controlled voltage source (404a, 404b) to the microcontroller (406).

6. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more peripherals (410) are associated with an electric vehicle.

7. The control system (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system (400) manages higher current levels through the switch mechanism (402), and lower current levels through the microcontroller (406).