Dual Power Circuit Fault Isolation via Switch Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power grid systems in vehicles face challenges in accurately identifying and mitigating power faults, leading to unnecessary disabling of power sources, which affects electrical sub-systems connected only to the disabled source.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with multiple switches and sensors that detect voltage and current flow directions between dual power sources and a load, allowing the control module to isolate the source of the fault by opening specific switches, thereby preventing power from being cut to unaffected sub-systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system disables one power source when a power fault is detected, then the fault is mitigated, but electrical sub-systems connected only to the disabled power source no longer receive electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fault isolation to the minimal necessary component level. Instead of disabling an entire power source, the system uses individual switches (first switch, second switch, third switch, fourth switch) to isolate only the specific faulty component or connection point. This allows the rest of the power source to remain operational and supply power to connected sub-systems, thereby maintaining power supply continuity while still mitigating the fault.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple switches and sensors to precisely identify the fault source, then fault identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit is segmented into multiple specialized sensors, each dedicated to detecting specific fault conditions: voltage sensors for detecting voltage faults, current flow sensors for detecting current faults, and resistance sensors for detecting resistance faults. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection task, improving overall measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary control module that coordinates the multiple switches and sensors. This control module receives signals from the sensors, processes the fault information, and activates the appropriate switches to isolate the fault. The intermediary controller simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high fault identification accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system connects electrical sub-systems to both power sources, then power availability is improved, but fault detection and isolation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical sub-systems are segmented into multiple independent connection paths, each with its own monitoring and isolation capability. The system uses separate voltage sensors, current flow sensors, and switches for each power source connection to each sub-system. This segmentation allows the monitoring circuit to independently detect and isolate faults in each connection path, making fault detection straightforward even when sub-systems are connected to multiple power sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for regulating power between a first power source, a second power source, and a load is disclosed. The circuit includes a first switch electrically coupled to a second switch, where the first switch and the second switch are arranged relative to one another to block current in opposing directions when opened. The first switch is electrically coupled to the first power source and the second switch is electrically coupled to the load. The circuit also includes third switch electrically coupled to a fourth switch, where the third switch and the fourth switch are arranged relative to one another to block current in opposing directions when opened. The third switch is electrically coupled to the second power source and the fourth switch is electrically coupled to the load and the second switch. The circuit also includes a first voltage sensor, a second voltage sensor, a first current flow sensor, and a second current flow sensor.