High-Voltage Cover Fastener Sensing for Early Power Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage safety systems in automotive applications are complex and require multiple components for voltage shutdown when contact protection covers are removed, making them costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage device with a detection means, such as a Hall sensor or oscillating circuit, detects the release of a contact protection cover and initiates disconnection from the high-voltage network via a signal, eliminating the need for additional moving parts and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety systems use multiple additional components (sensors, moving elements) to detect cover removal and shutdown voltage, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage shutdown function with the existing connecting means (screws/clamps) by integrating a detection means directly into the connecting means. The detection means utilizes the electrical properties of the existing mechanical connection elements rather than adding separate sensing components, thereby merging multiple functions into a single integrated system that maintains safety while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means serves multiple functions: it mechanically secures the contact protection cover, provides an electrical connection path for detection, and acts as the sensing element itself through its electrical properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional moving elements are added for detection purposes, then detection capability is improved, but installation space and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing connecting means serves its own detection function by utilizing its inherent electrical properties (conductivity, impedance changes) to indicate its operational state. The connecting means detects its own presence and status without requiring external sensing components, thereby eliminating the need for additional moving elements and reducing installation space requirements.
3Reliability
If complex safety systems with multiple components are implemented, then voltage shutdown reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and economic feasibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from separate additional components and integrates it directly into the existing connecting means. By removing the need for separate sensing components and utilizing the electrical properties of the mechanical fasteners themselves, the system achieves reliable voltage shutdown detection while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
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
This approach ensures reliable and economical voltage shutdown by detecting cover removal without additional components, reducing installation space and manufacturing costs while ensuring user safety.
Implementation Method 1
The detection means is a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor or an oscillating circuit
Implementation Method 2
The detection means is a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor or an oscillating circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-voltage device (10) for the operation of a high-voltage application. The high-voltage device (10) comprises at least one detector (50) for detecting an opened touch-protection cover (38) for at least one voltage-carrying element (34), it being possible to output a signal (74) by means of the detector (50) before the touch-protection cover (38) is completely removed, and a switch-off apparatus (58), which is connected to the detector (50) and by means of which the voltage-carrying element (34) can be disconnected from a high-voltage grid on the basis of the signal (74) output by the detector (50), the detector (50) being arranged on at least one connecting means (42) fastening the touch-protection cover (38) such that the loosening of said connecting means (42) can be detected in order to detect the removal of the touch-protection cover (38).