Disconnection Sensing Circuit Simplifies Electrical Connection Box Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnection sensing circuits in electrical connection boxes, such as those in vehicles, require complex configurations with components like switches and comparators to detect disconnections, complicating the setup.
Innovation Solution
A disconnection sensing circuit with a control unit, external connection terminals, and a transistor that restricts electric power direction between control-side and power-side ground lines, allowing for simplified disconnection sensing without switching between circuits, using a bypass line and diode configuration to enhance power flow and sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch and comparator are used to detect disconnection by switching between lines traversing voltage shift and lines not traversing voltage shift, then disconnection detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage shift function from the detection circuit and places it externally, allowing the use of a simple resistor voltage divider circuit instead of complex switch-comparator configurations. The external voltage shift source is connected to the potential divider, eliminating the need for internal switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential divider circuit serves multiple functions: it provides voltage division for detection, works with external voltage shift sources, and can detect disconnections without requiring switches or comparators. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall circuit design while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components such as switches and comparators are used for sensing disconnection, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and complex components (switches, comparators) with a simple resistor voltage divider circuit that uses inexpensive passive components. This approach maintains detection functionality while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic switching system with a passive resistor-based voltage division system. Instead of using active switching components to detect disconnection, the system uses the natural voltage division property of resistors in series, eliminating the need for mechanical or electronic switches.
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 configuration simplifies the circuit design, reduces component count, and effectively senses disconnections by utilizing a transistor and diode to manage electric power direction, enabling reliable disconnection detection without complex switching mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a transistor that restricts an electric power direction of a first bypass line connected between the control-side ground line and the power-side ground line to one direction
Data Source
AI summary
The disconnection sensing circuit is provided with: the control unit having the ground connection terminal and the input terminal; the first external connection terminal capable of being connected to an external ground, the first external connection terminal being connected to the control-side ground line as a conduction path connected to the ground connection terminal; the second external connection terminal capable of being connected to an external ground, the second external connection terminal being connected to the power-side ground line as a conduction path having a greater electrifying current than the control-side ground line; and the transistor that restricts the electric power direction of the first bypass line connected between the control-side ground line and the power-side ground line to one direction, and that outputs the sensing signal corresponding to the electric power flowing through the first bypass line to the input terminal.