High Voltage Interlock Loop Current Segmentation for Connector Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage interlock loop systems lack the ability to individually detect the connectivity of high voltage connectors, which can lead to safety hazards and equipment damage due to improper connections.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a detector connected to a high voltage interlock loop with additional current sources that bypass jumpers when not connected, allowing the detector to identify specific connectors that are not connected by detecting different current levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional high voltage interlock loop systems are used with single loop current, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to individually detect connector connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single loop current into multiple segmented currents (first loop current through first jumper, second loop current through second jumper) with different magnitudes. Each segmented current corresponds to a specific connector, enabling individual detection of connector connectivity status while maintaining the overall interlock loop structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different current magnitudes to different segments of the interlock loop based on local requirements. The first loop current has a first magnitude associated with the first connector, while the second loop current has a second magnitude associated with the second connector. This local differentiation enables precise identification of which specific connector is improperly connected.
2Measurement precision
If multiple current sources with different magnitudes are used to detect individual connector connectivity, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed with multi-functionality to perform both safety verification and individual connector identification. It detects whether the interlock loop is open or closed for safety purposes, and simultaneously identifies which specific connector is improperly connected by analyzing the magnitude of the detected current, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the detector monitor the current magnitude returning through the interlock loop and jumper wires. Based on the detected current magnitude, the system can identify which specific connector is improperly connected and provide targeted feedback for corrective action, rather than just indicating a general fault condition.
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 solution enables precise identification of improperly seated connectors, preventing the activation of high voltage equipment and ensuring enhanced safety and reliability in electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a loop current source to transmit a loop current for the high voltage interlock loop
Implementation Method 2
a first-jumper current source connected to the high voltage interlock loop in parallel with a first jumper of a first high voltage connector. The first-jumper current source is configured to transmit a first jumper current lower than the loop current
Implementation Method 3
a detector connected to the high voltage interlock loop after the second-jumper current source. The detector is configured to determine connectivity of the first high voltage connector and the second high voltage connector based on whether the loop current, the first jumper current, or the second jumper current is received by the detector
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein enables a detector of a high voltage interlock loop to determine connectivity of high voltage connectors on an individual basis. In a particular example, an apparatus includes a loop current source configured to transmit a loop current for the high voltage interlock loop. The apparatus also includes a first-jumper current source connected to the high voltage interlock loop in parallel with a first jumper of a first high voltage connector. The apparatus further includes a second-jumper current source connected to the high voltage interlock loop after the first-jumper current source and in parallel with a second jumper of a second high voltage connector. Also, the apparatus includes a detector configured to determine connectivity of the two high voltage connectors based on whether the loop current, the first jumper current, or the second jumper current is received by the detector.