Internally Configurable Solid-State Switch Assembly for Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical disconnection systems in vehicles, particularly those with stop-start systems and hybrid vehicles, face inefficiencies due to the need for separate external packages for normally closed (NC) and normally opened (NO) disconnection switches, which are typically implemented using electromechanical and solid-state technologies respectively, making it impractical and uneconomical to have a common package for different electrical supply systems.
Innovation Solution
An internally configurable dual switch arrangement on a printed circuit board (PCB) with solid-state devices and drivers that can function as either a NC or NO disconnection switch, allowing the same assembly to be used in various electrical supply systems by configuring the switch drivers and busbars to connect the switches to power terminals, enabling a common external package for different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate external packages are used for NC and NO disconnection switches, then each switch type can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and cost increase due to multiple packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal disconnection switch assembly that can function as either a normally closed (NC) or normally opened (NO) switch through internal configuration. The assembly includes a PCB with switch areas, driver areas, and busbars that can be internally arranged to provide different switch types, eliminating the need for separate external packages for NC and NO switches while maintaining optimized functionality for each switch type.
2Reliability
If electromechanical switches are used for NC disconnection switches, then reliable disconnection is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromechanical switch structures with solid-state switching devices mounted on a PCB. The switch assembly uses solid-state components with internal busbar connections to achieve reliable disconnection without the mechanical moving parts found in conventional electromechanical switches, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining disconnection reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If different configurations are used for different electrical supply systems, then system-specific optimization is achieved, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration system where the internal arrangement of switch areas, driver areas, and busbars on the PCB can be adjusted or selected to match different electrical supply system requirements. This internal configurability allows the same external package to adapt to various system configurations (different battery arrangements, load connections) without requiring different external packages, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for providing one or two disconnection switches in any of different electrical supply systems includes a printed circuit board having an internally configurable dual switch arrangement. The dual switch arrangement includes first and second switch areas for first and second groups of solid-state devices, first and second driver areas for first and second switch drivers, and busbars and power terminals. The first switch area includes the first group of solid-state devices and the first driver area includes the first switch driver which drives these solid-state devices as either a normally closed (NC) or a normally opened (NO) disconnection switch. First and second ones of the busbars respectively connect ends of the disconnection switch to first and second ones of the power terminals whereby the disconnection switch is provided in the electrical supply system when the electrical supply system is connected to the first and second power terminals.