Fault Detection in Driving Circuits via Switch State and Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection systems for driving circuits are complex due to the need to acquire voltages and currents at multiple locations, making them difficult to implement and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection device with a simple structure that uses a processor to control switches between an electric load and a power supply, and between the load and earth, determining faults based on the switch states and detected voltages, eliminating the need for multiple location measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltages and currents at multiple locations are acquired to detect driving circuit faults, then fault detection capability is improved, but device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary detection components (current sensors and multiple voltage sensors) by realizing that fault detection can be achieved through voltage detection alone combined with switch state information. This removes the complexity of acquiring both voltage and current data from multiple locations while maintaining fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage detection section is given a multi-functional role: it not only detects voltages for normal operation but also serves as the sole detection means for fault detection when combined with switch state information. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate current detection systems and simplifies the overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If voltages and currents at multiple locations are measured for fault detection, then detection precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary current sensors and multiple voltage sensors from the manufacturing process. By demonstrating that voltage detection combined with switch state information suffices for accurate fault detection, the invention significantly simplifies manufacturing while maintaining detection precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple detection structure is used for fault detection, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switch state information as an intermediary element that, when combined with voltage detection data, enables accurate fault detection using a simple detection structure. The switch state acts as a mediator that provides additional contextual information without requiring complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from measuring multiple physical parameters (voltages and currents at multiple points) to measuring a single parameter (voltage) combined with digital switch state information. This parameter transformation maintains detection accuracy while simplifying the measurement system.
Data Source
AI summary
A fault detection device for a driving circuit that includes a first switch provided between an electric load and a power supply section, a second switch provided between the electric load and earth, and a detector that detects a voltage between the first switch and the electric load, the fault detection device including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and being configured to: control the first switch into an on state connecting the electric load with the power supply section or an off state disconnecting the electric load from the power supply section; control the second switch into an on state connecting the electric load with earth or an off state disconnecting the electric load from earth; and determine a fault of the driving circuit based on the on or off state of the first and second switches and a voltage detected by the detector.