Connector Voltage Sensing for High-Voltage Power Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage components in eco-friendly vehicles require an interlock function to safely disconnect power when connectors are separated, but existing methods rely on complex interlock circuits, which can be costly and less accurate in detecting connector separation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a voltage sensor and controller that determines connector separation based on voltage variations between terminals, allowing for power cutoff and self-discharge without a dedicated interlock circuit, optimizing circuit architecture and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex interlock circuit is used to detect connector separation, then the reliability of power cutoff is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex interlock circuit and implements it through a simplified voltage sensor that monitors voltage variations between connector terminals. This extraction maintains the reliability of connector separation detection while eliminating unnecessary circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical interlock circuit with an electronic voltage detection system. By using a voltage sensor to detect voltage changes between terminals, the system substitutes a simple electronic measurement approach for the traditional complex interlock circuit, achieving both reliability and simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional interlock circuit is used, then the power cutoff function is achieved, but the accuracy of detecting connector separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage sensor continuously monitors voltage variations between connector terminals and provides real-time information to the controller. This feedback loop enables accurate detection of connector separation by comparing voltage changes against predetermined thresholds, significantly improving detection accuracy while maintaining ease of power cutoff operation.
3Device complexity
If the interlock circuit is minimized or removed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of detecting connector separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the connector to perform its own separation detection function through the voltage sensor that monitors voltage variations at its terminals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate complex interlock circuit while maintaining reliable detection, as the connector itself generates and processes the detection signal.
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
Enhances the accuracy of detecting connector separation and ensures user safety by enabling power cutoff and self-discharge based on voltage variations, reducing the need for a separate interlock circuit and optimizing circuit design.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor provided to detect a voltage between the pair of terminals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a connector including a pair of terminals connected to a power source, a voltage sensor provided to detect a voltage between the pair of terminals, a communication device provided to perform communication with an external control device through a network, and a controller configured to determine whether the connector is separated from the power source based on a voltage variation between the pair of terminals, control the communication device to request the external control device to cut off power of the power source when the connector is separated from the power source, and control to perform self-discharge.