AC High-Voltage Access Prevention via Sensor-Based Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage interlock (HVIL) circuits are inefficient in preventing access to high-voltage AC power due to additional wiring and packaging complexity, necessitating a more effective method for mitigating exposure risks in high-voltage propelled vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based control logic system that replaces HVIL circuits on the AC-side of the high-voltage system, utilizing a controller to detect input signals and conditions such as hood position, transmission state, and propulsion mode to selectively prevent access to the AC-side, enabling or disabling powertrain functions as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVIL circuits are used to prevent high-voltage access, then safety protection is provided, but wiring complexity and packaging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the HVIL circuit from the AC-side high-voltage system and replaces it with a controller-based monitoring system that uses existing sensors (hood position sensor, transmission state sensor) to determine when AC power should be disabled, thereby eliminating the complex dedicated HVIL wiring while maintaining safety protection
2Reliability
If conventional HVIL circuits are used to prevent high-voltage access, then safety protection is provided, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-voltage access prevention function into the existing powertrain control system by having the controller integrate multiple sensor inputs (hood position, transmission state) and coordinate with multiple systems (AC power system, engine control), thereby consolidating control functions and reducing packaging complexity compared to separate dedicated safety systems
3Reliability
If AC power is disabled when hood is open to prevent exposure, then safety is improved, but vehicle functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of AC power based on real-time sensor inputs, where the controller continuously monitors hood position and transmission state to dynamically enable or disable AC power, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain full functionality when safe rather than being statically disabled
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from hood position sensors and transmission state sensors to continuously monitor vehicle conditions and automatically adjust AC power availability, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures safety while maximizing vehicle functionality based on real-time operational context
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a transmission, hood, DC energy storage system, power inverter module, high-voltage AC device, sensors, and a controller. The sensors are operable for determining input signals and conditions, including a position sensor operable for detecting an open/closed position of the hood. The controller is programmed to execute a method for preventing access or exposure to the AC-side of the high-voltage system in an ignition-on state, to receive the input signals and conditions, and to selectively prevent access to the AC-side via a corresponding control action using the received input signals and conditions. The input signals and conditions include the open/closed position of the hood, a PRNDL position, and a powertrain mode of the vehicle.