DC Circuit Switch Topology for Dual-Source Load Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for interrupting DC electric circuits with multiple voltage sources are inadequate, as they fail to efficiently disconnect the load from both voltage sources and other interconnected circuits during emergency situations, potentially leading to uncontrolled circuit formation and fires.

Innovation Solution

A switch design featuring a supplemental electric conductor and an electrically conductive branch with a melting fuse, where a removable section of the main conductor is displaced into a gap in the supplemental conductor upon activation, creating a conductive path for the load while isolating the voltage sources, using a pyro-switch triggered by a sensor for emergency disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single electric voltage source is used to power a vehicle, then the circuit design is simpler, but the vehicle loses power completely when the voltage source fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle power supply reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into a main conductor path and a supplemental conductor path with a gap. The main conductor can be disconnected by removing its section, which then bridges the gap in the supplemental conductor to create an alternative current path through the fuse, ensuring continued power supply while isolating faulty components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical connectivity parameters dynamically: during normal operation, current flows through the main conductor; during emergency, the main conductor is disconnected and the removable section bridges the supplemental conductor gap, changing the circuit topology to maintain power flow through a different path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electric circuit is interrupted quickly in emergency cases, then fire risk is reduced, but uncontrolled circuit formation and short circuits may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire riskVSAvoidcircuit control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The removable section acts as an intermediary element that provides a controlled transition path. When disconnected from the main conductor, it bridges the gap in the supplemental conductor, ensuring that circuit interruption occurs through a predetermined safe path with fuse protection rather than creating uncontrolled short circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The supplemental conductor with gap and the removable section are pre-positioned and configured before emergency occurs. The fuse is pre-installed in the supplemental branch, so when the main conductor is disconnected, the current automatically follows the pre-prepared safe path through the fuse, preventing uncontrolled circuit formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a removable section is disconnected from the main conductor, then the load is isolated from voltage sources, but the supplemental conductor gap must be bridged to maintain current flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload isolation reliabilityVSAvoidconductor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main conductor and supplemental conductor are merged into a unified switchable system. The removable section serves dual purposes: it is part of the main conductor during normal operation and becomes the bridge for the supplemental conductor when disconnected, combining two functions in one element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the supplemental conductor continuously connected and the main conductor interruptible, the design inverts the logic: the main conductor is continuously connected during normal operation, and the supplemental conductor with its gap is the emergency path that becomes active only when the main conductor is intentionally disconnected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Ensures rapid and controlled interruption of the electric circuit, preventing uncontrolled currents and allowing safe discharge of loads, while isolating voltage sources and preventing short circuits, thus mitigating fire risks in emergency scenarios like vehicle crashes.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive branch with integrated electric fuse with a melting member is in parallel connected to said main conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a pyro-switch, which is preferably activated by means of a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrotechnic actuation: Explosion

Data Source

PatentEP4055621B1Switch for interruption of a direct current circuit powered by two electric voltage sources
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ETI ELEKTROELEMENT D O O
  • EP4055621B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4055621B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4055621B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention refers to a switch for interrupting of an electric circuit, in which two direct voltage sources (S1, S2) and at least one load (L) are integrated and mutually interconnected, wherein the purpose of the invention is to interrupt quickly and efficiently such electric circuit in a need, so that after said interruption each potential contact between the load and anyone of said electric voltage sources would have to be eliminated, and moreover, also each potential interaction between said load and any other loads or electric circuits, which might be electrically interconnected with said load, would also have to be eliminated. To this aim, a main electric conductor (10) is in the area between both electric voltage sources (S1, S2) and said load (L) bridged by a supplemental electric conductor (11), which is in parallel electrically connected with said sources (S1, S2) and also with said load (L), and is prior to activation of the switch, namely during regular operation of the electric circuit (1), interrupted by means of a gap (G) and is consequently electrically impermeable, wherein an electrically conductive branch (12) with integrated electric fuse (2) with a melting member (21) is in parallel connected to said main conductor (10) in two apart from each other located connecting points (100', 100'') in the area (100) between both electric voltage sources (S1, S2), while in the intermediate area (1000) between said connecting points (100', 100'') said main conductor (10) is furnished with a removable section (10'), which is in each pre-determined conditions removable apart from the main conductor (10) and irreversibly displaceable into a gap (G) in said supplemental electric conductor (11), which herewith becomes electrically conductive, while simultaneously the main electric conductor (10) upon removing said section (10') there-from becomes electrically impermeable.