Electronic Fuse Segmentation for ADR Safety Device Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ADR-compliant vehicles, the existing ADR fuse must be fully replaced after tripping, which is time-consuming and costly, due to its non-reversible nature, especially during loading or unloading of fire-hazard goods where temporary overloads may occur.

Innovation Solution

An electronic fuse is mounted in series with the ADR fuse to interrupt power at a lower amperage, protecting the ADR fuse from tripping and allowing for automatic reset once the overload ends, eliminating the need for replacing the safety device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-reversible ADR fuse is used to protect the tachograph power supply, then safety is improved by interrupting power at predetermined amperage, but the entire battery isolator must be replaced when the fuse trips, which is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protection function is segmented into two independent components: the electronic fuse (protection device) and the ADR fuse (safety device). The electronic fuse handles temporary overloads and can be reset, while the ADR fuse maintains safety compliance. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between resettable overloads and critical failures requiring ADR fuse replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic fuse acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the ADR fuse. It monitors current and interrupts power during temporary overloads before they reach the ADR fuse, protecting it from unnecessary tripping. This intermediary role allows the ADR fuse to maintain its safety function while reducing replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a non-reversible ADR fuse is used to ensure safety during loading/unloading of fire-hazard goods, then reliability is improved, but the cost and complexity of maintenance increases due to complete isolator replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during hazardous operationsVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protection function is segmented into two independent components: the electronic fuse (protection device) and the ADR fuse (safety device). The electronic fuse handles temporary overloads and can be reset, while the ADR fuse maintains safety compliance. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between resettable overloads and critical failures requiring ADR fuse replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of fuse protection by introducing an electronic fuse with resettable characteristics in parallel with the non-reversible ADR fuse. This creates a dual-mode system where temporary parameter deviations (overloads) are handled by the electronic fuse, while the ADR fuse responds only to critical failures, reducing maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the ADR fuse is designed to trip at low amperage (1A or 100mA) to ensure safety, then protection sensitivity is improved, but temporary overloads cause unnecessary tripping requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection sensitivityVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic fuse provides partial protection by handling temporary overloads that exceed the ADR fuse's sensitive trip threshold. It allows excessive current during brief periods (temporary overloads) without triggering the ADR fuse, while still providing protection against sustained dangerous currents. This partial action preserves operational continuity while maintaining safety sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic fuse introduces dynamic current monitoring and response capabilities. It can distinguish between temporary overloads (allowing recovery) and critical failures (triggering ADR fuse replacement). This dynamic behavior adapts the protection sensitivity to actual operating conditions, preventing unnecessary trips during temporary overloads while maintaining high sensitivity for genuine hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2626251B1Device and method for improving safety in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2626251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2626251B1 patent drawingFigure 2b
  • EP2626251B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power source (205) supplies power, via a first line (L210), to an apparatus (260) in the vehicle (100; 110) and, via a second line (L211), to an electronic device (240). The first line (L210) comprises a breaker device (250) for interrupting the power supply via said first line (L210) under certain circumstances. The electronic device (240), e.g. a tachograph, is intended to be supplied with power continuously. The second line (L211) comprises a safety device (230) adapted to interrupt the power supply at a predetermined amperage (Ib1) and the breaker device (250) is housed in an enclosure (270). The power supply in said second line (L211) is interrupted at a lower amperage (Ith) than said predetermined amperage (Ib1) by means of a further safety device (220), which further safety device (220) is arranged in said second line (L211) upstream of said safety device (230) in the enclosure (270).