Electrical Connection Bar for Integrated Current Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple, reliable, and effective solution to measure variations in the intensity of currents flowing through the phase connectors or battery connectors in electric or hybrid vehicle electrical assemblies, particularly in high-voltage power battery systems.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection bar with a flat base and orthogonally extending conductive fixing portions and connection pins, allowing direct contact with the electronic control unit to measure current intensity variations, is designed. The connection bar is preferably made of conductive materials like copper, steel, or aluminum, with an anti-corrosion surface and features that facilitate easy manufacturing and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional electrical connection structure is used, then the electrical connection is simple, but the current intensity measurement capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent intensity measurementVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection bar serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the electronic power module and control unit, enables current intensity measurement through its conductive structure, and offers mechanical support. The same structural elements (conductive body and contact surfaces) fulfill both connection and measurement functions without requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the electrical connection function and measurement function into a single integrated connection bar structure. The conductive body that establishes electrical connection also serves as the measurement path for current intensity, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate components are used for connection and measurement, then the measurement capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent intensity measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the electrical connection function and measurement function into a single integrated connection bar structure. The conductive body that establishes electrical connection also serves as the measurement path for current intensity, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection bar serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the electronic power module and control unit, enables current intensity measurement through its conductive structure, and offers mechanical support. The same structural elements (conductive body and contact surfaces) fulfill both connection and measurement functions without requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a complex measurement system is implemented, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent intensity measurementVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the electrical connection function and measurement function into a single integrated connection bar structure. The conductive body that establishes electrical connection also serves as the measurement path for current intensity, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables accurate measurement of current intensity variations, improving the reliability of electrical connections and reducing the risk of damage during assembly, while being easy to manufacture and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

comprising at least one electrically conductive fixing portion... and at least one electrical connection pin... adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3727943B1Electrical connection bar for an electrical assembly
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 VALEO SIEMENS EAUTOMOTIVE FRANCE SAS
  • EP3727943B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3727943B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3727943B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connection bar (30) for an electrical assembly comprising an electronic power module and an electronic control unit of said electronic power module, said electronic power module comprising at least one external electrical terminal. The electrical connection bar (30) comprises a flat base (300) and at least one connection element (301) extending from said base (300) and comprising at least one electroconductive attachment portion (305) extending orthogonally to the base (300) and designed to be electrically connected to the at least one external electrical terminal, and at least one electrical connection pin (310) comprising at least one free end (310C) designed to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit.