Embedded Conductor Gasket for Omni-directional Crash Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle crash detection systems require additional components and steps to detect deformation caused by crashes from any direction, and often necessitate alignment with the impact direction, which complicates the integration with high-voltage system shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle crash detection device with conductors embedded in gaskets around the case of an electric device, such as an inverter, that changes its electric conductive state upon deformation, allowing for reliable crash detection from any direction without increasing the number of components, using a detection unit and reference voltage to determine the conductive state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive film is attached on the inner surface of the cap for deformation detection, then crash detection capability is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gasket and conductor into a single integrated component. The conductor is embedded within the gasket structure, eliminating the need for separate conductive films on the cap surface. This merging reduces component count while maintaining crash detection functionality through the conductor's deformation response.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves multiple functions: it provides sealing between the cap and base, and simultaneously acts as a crash detection sensor through the embedded conductor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated conductive films, reducing component complexity while achieving reliable crash detection from any direction.
2Device complexity
If an airbag activation sensor is utilized for crash detection, then component increase is prevented, but the sensor must be placed on the same line as the case relative to impact direction, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket with embedded conductor provides universal crash detection capability in all directions. The conductor is positioned to detect deformation regardless of impact direction, making the system adaptable to crashes from any direction without requiring alignment with specific impact lines, unlike airbag sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is arranged in a configuration that detects deformation in multiple dimensions. By embedding the conductor within the gasket structure that surrounds the case, the system detects crashes from any direction (360-degree coverage), moving beyond the single-line detection limitation of airbag sensors.
3Reliability
If a conductor is provided in the gasket insulated from the case, then crash detection from any direction is enabled, but the gasket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is integrated within the gasket structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the conductor into the gasket simplifies the overall structure while enabling reliable crash detection, as the conductor's deformation directly reflects case deformation from any direction.
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
Enables reliable detection of crashes from any direction, prevents component increase, and ensures prompt shutdown of the high-voltage system by integrating the crash detection sensor with the gasket, simplifying the system and maintaining a waterproof seal.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket is deformed together with the case, and the conductor is deformed or disconnected due to the deformation of the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
A metal plate (14) is buried in a gasket (12) of a case (10) for accommodating an electric device such as an inverter. The metal plate (14) is connected to a control board (400) in the case (10), and the voltage of the metal plate (14) is determined. A reference voltage is applied to the metal plate (14), and the case (10) is grounded. When the metal plate (14) is brought into contact with the case (10) or disconnected due to a crash, the voltage of the metal plate (14) is thereby changed, and the control board (400) detects a crash, based on the change in the voltage.