Fuse Blow Detection Circuit for Flexible In-Vehicle Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle devices require manual visual inspection to check if a fuse is blown, limiting the arrangement options due to visibility requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an upstream and downstream capacitor configuration with a determiner to detect fuse blowout based on voltage differences, allowing for automated detection without manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual visual inspection is used to check fuse status, then the fuse must be arranged at a visible location, but this limits the arrangement freedom of the fuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electrical detection system. A determination circuit automatically detects fuse blowout by measuring voltage differences across the fuse using capacitors connected to upstream and downstream nodes, eliminating the need for visual inspection and enabling flexible fuse placement anywhere in the circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated detection is implemented using voltage measurement across the fuse, then fuse arrangement freedom is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects fuse blowout status, measures voltage differences, and can potentially monitor other electrical parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile monitoring capabilities beyond simple fuse detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitors as intermediary components connected to upstream and downstream nodes of the fuse. These capacitors serve as mediators that store and transfer electrical energy, enabling the determination circuit to indirectly measure fuse status through voltage comparison without requiring direct contact with the fuse itself.
3Reliability
If the fuse is placed in locations optimized for circuit design rather than visibility, then circuit performance is improved, but manual inspection becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrical detection system that can monitor fuse status regardless of physical location. The determination circuit uses voltage measurement through capacitive coupling to detect fuse blowout, allowing fuses to be placed in circuit-optimized locations without compromising inspection capability.
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 flexible fuse arrangement by eliminating the need for visual checks, enhancing the degree of freedom in placement and facilitating automated detection of blown fuses.
Implementation Method 1
an upstream capacitor having one end connected to a connection node located upstream of the fuse in a current path of current that flows through the fuse; a downstream capacitor having one end connected to a connection node located downstream of the fuse in the current path
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle device of the present invention includes a fuse and an upstream capacitor having one end connected to a connection node upstream of the fuse in a current path of current that flows through the fuse. One end of a downstream capacitor is connected to a connection node downstream of the fuse in the current path. A determiner determines whether or not the fuse is blown based on an upstream voltage that passed through the upstream capacitor and a downstream voltage that passed through the downstream capacitor.