Fused Plug-In Wiring Branch for Vehicle Load Current Shunting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electrical devices in autonomous vehicles poses safety hazards due to the limitations of central power distribution boxes, leading to unprotected wire diameter reduction, which can result in wire burning and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in apparatus with a fuse connected between the wire inlet and outlet connection portions, allowing for current shunting and reducing wire diameter while protecting the wire, thereby addressing the capacity and wiring position limitations of central power distribution boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unprotected wire diameter reduction is adopted to meet increasing load requirements, then development cost and time are reduced, but wire safety deteriorates due to potential wire burning from excessive current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current-limiting device (resistor or fuse) as an intermediary component between the power supply wire and the load wire. This intermediary limits the current flowing through the reduced-diameter wire, preventing it from exceeding its current-carrying capacity and causing burning, thus resolving the safety issue while maintaining the wire diameter reduction approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing current-limiting protective components in the circuit design phase. These components are selected and positioned in advance to ensure that even with reduced wire diameter, the wire is protected from overcurrent conditions before they can cause damage, allowing safe implementation of wire diameter reduction
2Adaptability or versatility
If central power distribution box capacity is increased to accommodate more loads, then power distribution capability is improved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized power distribution function into distributed modular units. Instead of expanding a single central power distribution box, the system divides power distribution into multiple independent modules that can be separately designed, manufactured, and integrated, reducing the development time and complexity associated with enlarging a centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (expanding central power distribution box capacity) to a multi-dimensional approach by distributing power distribution functions across multiple locations and hierarchical levels in the vehicle electrical system, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing development time
3Ease of operation
If unprotected wire diameter reduction is used to meet load requirements, then wiring flexibility is improved, but safety hazards increase due to lack of current protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces current-limiting protective components as intermediary elements in the wiring system. These components are integrated into the wiring design to automatically limit current flow, providing inherent protection against wire burning while maintaining the flexibility benefits of reduced wire diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service protection through passive protective components (fuses, resistors) that automatically respond to overcurrent conditions without requiring active control systems. The wiring system protects itself through these built-in protective elements, maintaining flexibility while eliminating safety hazards
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 enhances safety, reduces development costs, and allows for flexible and efficient electrical connections, preventing wire overheating and ensuring reliable power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the wire is often burned directly because the current exceeds its current-carrying capacity
Implementation Method 2
a fuse is connected between a first end of the wire inlet connection portion and a first end of the wire outlet connection portion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present disclosure is a plug-in apparatus, comprising a wire inlet connection portion and a wire outlet connection portion, a fuse is connected between a first end of the wire inlet connection portion and a first end of the wire outlet connection portion, a second end of the wire inlet connection portion is connected to a power supply wire, and a second end of the wire outlet connection portion is connected to a load wire, and the second end of the wire outlet connection portion has at least one connection branch, each of which serves as a load interface. By means of the plug-in apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, current enters the fuse through the wire inlet connection portion, and is shunted from the connection branch of the wire outlet connection portion after passing through the fuse, thereby achieving the purpose of wire diameter reduction and current-shunting of the wire while protecting the wire, realizing capacity-increasing use when the capacity and the wiring position of a central power distribution box cannot meet requirements, and performing design supplementation in cooperation when the load configuration of the whole vehicle increases. The plug-in apparatus has the advantages of simple structure, convenient use and high safety.