Capacitive Box Integrating Fuses for Powertrain Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric powertrains for vehicles face challenges in reducing size for easier maintenance and access to high-voltage components, particularly fuses, while ensuring safety and reducing the risk of electrical connections being cut during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive box integrating smoothing capacitors and fuses within the powertrain, using busbars for multiple connection points and a sealed casing for protection, with a screw-nut system for easy assembly and replacement, and a discharge resistor for safe capacitor discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate fuse box is used in the powertrain, then access to fuses is improved, but the overall size and complexity of the powertrain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuse box functionality with the capacitive module housing into a single integrated unit. The fuse holder is mounted directly on the housing of the capacitive module, eliminating the need for a separate fuse box and reducing overall powertrain complexity while maintaining easy access to fuses during maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If the fuse box is positioned close to the traction battery under the vehicle, then safety is improved by reducing connection cut risk, but access to the fuse box becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fuse holder with the capacitive module housing, the invention creates a single compact unit that can be positioned close to the traction battery for safety while the unified structure simplifies access. The integrated design eliminates separate access paths and positioning constraints that would exist with independent fuse box and capacitor locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electrical connection points are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing of the capacitive module is designed with multiple integrated functions: it serves as the capacitor housing, provides mounting structure for the fuse holder, and incorporates multiple electrical connection points (first and second positive output terminals, first and second negative output terminals). This multi-functional design achieves connection flexibility without increasing structural complexity or manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the housing structure with the electrical connection system by integrating output terminals and fuse holder mounting directly into the housing. This consolidation provides multiple connection points for adaptability while reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
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
The capacitive box reduces the size and cost of the powertrain, minimizes the risk of connection cuts, and enhances safety by allowing easy voltage checks and rapid capacitor discharge, improving maintenance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive box for a powertrain integrating the fuses of the network supplied by the traction battery, as well as an electronics casing for power and a powertrain integrating such a box
Implementation Method 2
a discharge resistor for safe capacitor discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a box (B) incorporating a smoothing capacitor for an electric power train disposed between a negative bus and a positive bus which are internal to the box (B), the latter comprising: - a first positive output terminal (BP1) and a first negative output terminal (BN1) which are able to be connected to the inputs of an inverter, - a second positive output terminal (BP2) and a second negative output terminal (BN2) which are connected respectively to the positive internal bus and to the negative internal bus, - two electrical connection fastening lugs (PFP, PFN) insulated from the positive and negative internal buses, - a fuse (FUSP) fixed electrically between the second positive terminal (BP2) and one of the fastening lugs (PFP), - and another fuse (FUSN) fixed electrically between the second negative terminal (BN2) and the other of the fastening lugs (PFN).