Vehicle Battery Power Cutoff Using Temperature Rise Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to continue charging or driving when the overcurrent detection function is lost, necessitating immediate stops due to potential battery overheating.
Innovation Solution
A power control apparatus with a temperature-based cutoff mechanism that uses a controller to measure the time for temperature rise when current detection fails, operating cutoff elements to prevent excessive heating, incorporating a cooler to set operation conditions based on battery and cooling characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the overcurrent detection function is lost, then the battery protection capability deteriorates, but the vehicle operation continuity is improved through alternative temperature-based detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect overcurrent conditions when the direct current detection function is lost. The temperature sensor acts as a mediator to indirectly sense overcurrent through the heat it generates, allowing the system to maintain protection capability without direct current measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical detection system (current sensor) with a thermal detection system (temperature sensor). This substitution allows the system to function without the failed electrical component by using thermal effects to achieve the same protective purpose.
2Measurement precision
If the current sensor is used for overcurrent detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates when the sensor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares an alternative detection method (temperature-based) in advance that can take over when the current sensor fails. This cushioning measure ensures that the system maintains its protective function even when the primary detection method becomes unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical current to thermal temperature. By monitoring temperature changes instead of direct current, the system maintains its ability to detect overcurrent conditions through a different physical parameter that does not depend on the failed sensor.
3Temperature
If the cutoff element is operated frequently to prevent overheating, then the battery temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-diagnose sensor failures and self-switch between detection methods without external intervention. The controller automatically determines when the current sensor has failed and activates the temperature-based detection, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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
Enables continuous charging and driving by preventing battery overheating even when current detection is lost, ensuring reliable temperature control through heat generation and cooling characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
measures a period of time for which a temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a second predetermined value from a first predetermined value and, when the measured period of time is less than a predetermined period of time which indicates the occurrence of heat generation due to overcurrent
Implementation Method 2
a cooler (for example, an unillustrated water cooling mechanism to be described later) that cools the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An IPU for a vehicle includes a battery that supplies power to a drive unit of a vehicle, a current sensor that detects current of the battery, a temperature sensor that detects temperature of the battery, contactors that cut off the flow of electrical current from the battery and the flow of electrical current to the battery, and a battery ECU that, when a current detection function by the current sensor has been lost, measures a period of time for which a temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a second predetermined value from a first predetermined value and, when the measured period of time is less than a predetermined period of time, operates the contactors to cut off the flow of electrical current from the battery and the flow of electrical current to the battery.