Flashing Connector Voltage-Drop Detection for Automatic Unit Check-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flashing processes in the automotive industry require manual confirmation of unit connections, leading to inefficiencies and risks of human error, especially when dealing with multiple units.
Innovation Solution
A device for automatic detection of unit connections during flashing, comprising a power source, connectors, switches, a resistor, and a control unit with a communication module, which detects connection status by measuring voltage drops, eliminating the need for manual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual confirmation of unit connection is used, then the flashing process can be controlled, but the flashing time increases and human error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects unit connection status by measuring voltage drops across the connector without requiring technician intervention. The control unit continuously monitors the voltage and autonomously determines when a unit is connected or disconnected, eliminating the need for manual confirmation buttons while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual button-press confirmation system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of requiring physical interaction to confirm connection, the system uses voltage measurement across the connector pins to detect connection status automatically, substituting manual mechanical action with automated electrical sensing.
2Productivity
If multiple units are connected simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the risk of human error increases due to more manual confirmations needed
Solution Approach 1:
Each connected unit is automatically monitored for connection status through voltage measurement. The control unit independently tracks the connection state of multiple units without requiring technician confirmation for each one, allowing simultaneous flashing of multiple units while maintaining reliable error prevention through automated detection.
3Extent of automation
If automatic detection using time measurement is used, then manual confirmation is eliminated, but the device complexity increases and requires knowledge of connected unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex time-based detection systems with a simple voltage measurement approach. Instead of measuring communication response times or requiring knowledge of specific unit protocols, the system simply measures voltage across the connector pins, providing automatic detection through a universally applicable electrical measurement that works with any unit type.
4Extent of automation
If direct current measurement is used for detection, then automatic detection is achieved, but the arrangement becomes complex due to wide current range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex current measurement systems with simpler voltage measurement. Instead of measuring current across a wide range (100 mA to 10 A) which would require complex sensing circuits and calibration, the system measures voltage across the connector pins, providing automatic detection through a more manageable electrical parameter with a narrower effective range.
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
The solution streamlines the flashing process by automatically detecting unit connections, reducing the risk of human error and increasing efficiency, while allowing for easy implementation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit is adapted to determine whether the unit intended for flashing is connected to the first connector, based on a drop in voltage value at the place between the first connector and the node where the first branch of the parallel connection and the second branch of the parallel connection are connected
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a device and method for automatic detection of the connection of a unit (1) intended for flashing. The device comprises a power source (2) and a first connector (3) for connecting the unit (1) intended for flashing. The device further comprises a second connector (4) connected to the first connector (3), a control unit (5) connected to the second connector (4), a first switch (6), a second switch (7), and a first resistor (8), wherein the first switch (6) and the second switch (7) are connected in parallel between the power source (2) and the first connector (3). The first resistor (8) is connected in one branch of the parallel connection. The control unit (5) is connected to the first switch (6) and the second switch (7) and comprises a communication module for sending a message to the first connector (3) and an evaluation module for determining whether the unit (1) intended for flashing is connected to the first connector (3), based on a drop in the voltage value at a place between the first connector (3) and the node where the branches of the parallel connection are connected.