Contactor Control Circuit With RC Retention for False Fault Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems face increased manufacturing costs and require additional power sources due to the use of control circuits like timer ICs and D-flip flops for implementing a retention function to handle false signals, which can lead to unnecessary protection functions.
Innovation Solution
A contactor control circuit incorporating a resistor-capacitor circuit, a transistor switch, and a logic OR circuit to maintain the contactor's previous state for a retention time in response to false signals, allowing differentiation between temporary and real faults without immediate protection actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timer ICs and D-flip flops are used to implement a retention function, then the contactor can maintain its previous state for a certain period of time to avoid false protection, but the manufacturing cost increases and additional power sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from complex control circuits (timer ICs, D-flip flops) and implements it using a simple RC circuit combined with existing battery management system components. The RC circuit generates a delayed discharge signal that provides the retention function without requiring additional control circuits or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the battery management system self-sufficient by using the existing capacitor in the power management integrated circuit to provide the retention function. The system uses its own internal components (RC circuit, existing capacitor) rather than requiring external timer ICs or additional power sources, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If timer ICs and D-flip flops are used to implement a retention function, then the contactor can maintain its previous state for a certain period of time to avoid false protection, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive control circuits (timer ICs, D-flip flops) with inexpensive passive components (resistor and capacitor). The RC circuit provides the retention function using low-cost components that are already present in the battery management system, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the desired reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing components serve multiple functions. The capacitor in the power management integrated circuit not only performs its original power management function but also serves as the timing element for the retention function when combined with the resistor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components and reduces manufacturing cost.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and ensures safe operation by maintaining the contactor's state during temporary communication failures, while enabling immediate response to real faults, thus preventing power disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel to each other between an intermediate node and a ground
Implementation Method 2
a transistor switch configured to transmit the driving signal to the intermediate node when the false signal is at a low level
Data Source
AI summary
A contactor control circuit includes a first input terminal receiving a driving signal, a second input terminal receiving a false signal, a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel to each other between an intermediate node and a ground, a transistor switch configured to transmit the driving signal to the intermediate node when the false signal is at a low level, a logic OR circuit configured to generate a control signal by performing an OR operation on logic levels of the driving signal and the intermediate node, and an output terminal outputting the control signal.