Fuse Load Determination via Sub-Model Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern vehicle electronic systems, with increasing numbers of electronic devices, makes it difficult to identify and manage loads on fuses connected to multiple sub-models, leading to challenges in determining total and individual loads on fuses, which can result in errors and increased costs due to the need for more fuses and complex troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a modeling processor and memory to store a fuse load database, allowing users to select a fuse and determine the loads connected to it, generating load summary data to ensure the total current flowing through the fuse remains within a predetermined current limit, thereby reducing errors and optimizing fuse usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electronic devices in vehicles increases, then vehicle capabilities and features are improved, but the complexity of power system design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex power system into modular sub-models, where each sub-model represents a specific vehicle system (e.g., lighting, powertrain, accessories). This segmentation allows engineers to manage and analyze power distribution in manageable units while maintaining the ability to integrate them into the complete vehicle electrical architecture, thus handling increased device complexity without overwhelming design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software tool that acts as a mediator between the designer and the complex power system. This tool automatically performs load flow analysis, fuse sizing, and electrical architecture validation, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing design complexity while supporting increased vehicle capabilities.
2Reliability
If more fuses are used to protect electronic components, then protection against power surges is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing protection only where necessary based on actual load requirements. The software tool analyzes the electrical architecture to identify critical circuits that require fuse protection while eliminating redundant fuses. This ensures adequate protection for essential electronic components without unnecessarily increasing the total number of fuses, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If the number of fuses increases, then protection coverage is improved, but ease of locating blown fuses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the software tool that provides real-time information about fuse status and load distribution. The tool generates detailed reports showing which fuses protect which loads, enabling rapid identification of blown fuses by comparing expected versus actual circuit behavior. This feedback system maintains comprehensive protection coverage while dramatically improving the ease of locating and diagnosing fuse issues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sub-models are used to design vehicle electronic systems, then design flexibility is improved, but ability to trace fuse connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traceability functionality across multiple sub-models through the integrated software tool. The tool consolidates connection information from all sub-models into a unified view, automatically tracking fuse connections across module boundaries. This merging approach maintains the design flexibility benefits of modular sub-models while eliminating the tracing difficulty that would otherwise result from分散ed information across multiple models.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a memory that can store a fuse load database including a list of fuses, a list of loads each designed to be coupled to at least one fuse from the list of fuses and a list of current values each corresponding to a load from the list of loads. The system can also include an input device configured to receive a selection of a fuse from the list of fuses. The system can also include a modeling processor coupled to the memory and the input device. The modeling processor can determine one or more loads from the list of loads that are designed to be coupled to the selected fuse. The modeling processor can also generate load summary data corresponding to a sum of the current values that correspond to the one or more loads.