High-Voltage Interlock Loop for Electric Implement Connection Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power machines, particularly those with attachable electric implements, face challenges in detecting and responding to loose, disconnected, or damaged high-voltage connections during operation, which can lead to safety issues and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL) system that uses a continuous low-voltage loop to monitor high-voltage connectors and components, generating alerts or disabling power when errors are detected, and controlling power routing based on the status of the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-voltage connection system is used to power electric implements, then power delivery capability is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to undetected loose or disconnected connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-voltage monitoring circuit as an intermediary system that continuously monitors the status of high-voltage connections. This separate monitoring circuit detects loose, disconnected, or damaged connectors by measuring electrical properties (such as resistance or continuity) and communicates the status to the control system, enabling safe operation without directly exposing the monitoring function to high-voltage risks.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of high-voltage connectors is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function with existing low-voltage control circuits and communication systems already present in electric power machines. The monitoring circuit utilizes existing processors, communication buses, and control architecture to detect connector status and communicate with the implement controller, thereby achieving continuous monitoring without adding significant system complexity.
3Productivity
If power is continuously supplied to electric implements, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates when faults occur in high-voltage connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring circuit continuously assesses connector status and communicates this information back to the control system. When faults such as loose or disconnected connectors are detected, the system automatically responds by alerting the operator and disabling power to the affected implement, thereby maintaining safety while allowing continuous operation of healthy systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Power management and diagnostics systems are provided for power machines. One system includes an electronic processor that provides output signals to an electric circuit of an electric implement removably coupled to a power machine and receives corresponding return signals. Based on the return signal, the electronic processor may determine a connection status associated with a high-voltage connection between the electric implement and the power machine. The electronic processor may control a power source of the power machine based on the connection status.