Fuse Detection Circuit Using RC Voltage Decay for Multi-Fuse Checks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In power source systems with multiple fuses, it is inefficient for vehicle dealers to manually check which fuses are blown, as it takes a long time and is not systematic.
Innovation Solution
A blown fuse detection apparatus and method using capacitors, a circuit switch, and a resistor to detect resistance voltage changes over time, determining the presence of blown fuses based on time constants and voltage decay patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of each fuse is performed using a tester, then detection accuracy is achieved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fuse detection operations into a single automated measurement cycle. By connecting all fuse circuits to a common measurement circuit with capacitors and using a single voltmeter to measure voltage decay, the system detects multiple fuses simultaneously rather than checking each one separately with individual testers, thus reducing total detection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of using testers with an automated electrical measurement system. The system uses capacitive discharge characteristics and voltage decay measurement to automatically determine fuse status, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing detection time
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of fuses is increased to support more loads, then system functionality is improved, but the complexity of fuse management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can handle any number of fuses and loads through a single standardized circuit configuration. The measurement circuit with capacitors and voltmeter serves multiple functions: it can detect any fuse status, identify which specific fuses are blown, and work with systems of varying scale, thus simplifying management despite increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical capacitor circuits connected in parallel to each fuse circuit, creating replicated measurement pathways. This standardized copying approach allows the system to scale to any number of loads while maintaining consistent detection methodology, making the system adaptable without proportionally increasing management complexity
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate detection of blown fuses, reducing the time and effort required to identify blown fuses in systems with multiple fuses.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capacitors that are respectively connected to ends on a downstream side of the plurality of fuses
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a detected value of a resistance voltage between two ends of the circuit resistor that decreases with a lapse of time in a state where the circuit switch is on
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of fuses (F1, F2, . . . , and Fn) are respectively disposed on current paths for a plurality of currents branched from one end of a DC power source (10). In a blown fuse detection apparatus (11), ends on one side of a plurality of capacitors (C1, C2, . . . , Cn) are respectively connected to the ends on the downstream side of the plurality of fuses (F1, F2, . . . , and Fn). A plurality of currents that have flowed through the capacitors (C1, C2, . . . , Cn) are input to a circuit switch (30) and a circuit resistor (31). A microcomputer (37) instructs that the circuit switch (30) be switched on, obtains a detected value of a resistance voltage, and detects, based on the obtained detected value, whether or not there is a blown fuse among the fuses (F1, F2, . . . , and Fn).