Abnormality Detection Device Using Bridge Circuit for Vehicle Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional abnormality detection devices for vehicles tend to increase in size due to the need for dedicated electronic components to detect abnormalities like short circuits in the load portion, which is inefficient in terms of space and cost.
Innovation Solution
An abnormality detection device incorporating a bridge circuit with resistors and a voltage supply unit, where the controller detects abnormalities in the load portion by analyzing detection voltages applied when the main power source is off, allowing for both short and open circuit detection without the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated electronic component is used to detect abnormalities in the load portion, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the abnormality detection function with the existing voltage detection circuit by adding a bridge circuit that shares components with the voltage detection pathway. The bridge circuit uses resistors R1-R4 and a voltage supply unit to detect abnormalities, while the existing ADC and signal processing components continue to serve both voltage measurement and abnormality detection purposes. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated electronic components while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both the voltage level and abnormalities in the load portion. The bridge circuit configuration allows the same hardware components to serve dual purposes - measuring voltage through the potential divider formed by R1-R4 and detecting load abnormalities through the same voltage measurement pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device size by eliminating redundant components.
2Measurement precision
If additional electronic components are added for abnormality detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit is integrated into the existing voltage detection architecture, sharing the ADC, signal processing unit, and power supply. The bridge circuit uses four resistors (R1-R4) arranged in a configuration where R1 and R2 form one branch, and R3 and R4 form another branch, with the abnormality detection derived from voltage comparisons made by the existing ADC. This merging approach improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge circuit acts as an intermediary structure that translates load abnormalities into voltage changes that can be detected by the existing voltage detection system. By using the bridge circuit to convert physical abnormalities (such as load resistance changes) into electrical signals, the system leverages the existing ADC and processing capabilities to achieve accurate abnormality detection without requiring complex dedicated detection electronics.
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
This configuration enables efficient detection of load portion abnormalities while reducing the size and cost of the device by utilizing the same circuit for both voltage detection and abnormality detection, thereby suppressing the increase in device size and maintaining safe power supply operations.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage supply unit being a power source different from the main power source and configured to apply a voltage to the bridge circuit
Implementation Method 2
a bridge circuit including a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor that is the abnormality detection target, a fourth resistor
Data Source
AI summary
In a bridge circuit, a series circuit in which a first resistor and a second resistor are connected in series and the second resistor and a fourth resistor are connected in series is formed. In the bridge circuit, the series circuit is connected to a load portion in parallel, one end of a fifth resistor is connected between the second resistor and the fourth resistor, and the other end of the fifth resistor is connected between the first resistor and the load portion. In the bridge circuit, a voltage supply unit is connected between the first resistor and the second resistor. A controller detects an abnormality of the load portion based on a detection voltage of the bridge circuit detected by applying a voltage from the voltage supply unit with a switch turned off. With this configuration, an abnormality detection device can detect abnormality while suppressing an increase in size.