High-Voltage Interlock Circuit for Connector Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage interlock circuits in systems like electric vehicles fail to accurately identify which connector in a high-voltage loop is not properly connected, leading to inefficiencies in activating safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage interlock circuit with a resistor set and frequency indication signal generation circuit that generates signals based on equivalent resistance values, allowing for precise identification of disconnected connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional high-voltage interlock circuit is used to check electrical connection integrity, then safety measures can be activated when the loop is disconnected, but the specific disconnected connector cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage loop is segmented into multiple sections by dividing the resistor set into multiple groups, with each group associated with a specific connector. By measuring the equivalent resistance of each segment independently, the system can identify which specific connector is disconnected rather than just detecting a generic loop failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different resistor groups are assigned different resistance values to create unique electrical characteristics for each connector segment. This local differentiation allows the diagnostic circuit to identify the specific location of a disconnection by comparing the measured resistance against the expected values for each segment.
2Reliability
If the high-voltage loop is checked using a simple continuity test, then the connection integrity can be verified, but the diagnostic efficiency is low due to inability to locate the specific fault
Solution Approach 1:
The resistor set is divided into multiple groups corresponding to different connectors in the high-voltage loop. Each group's equivalent resistance can be independently measured, allowing the diagnostic circuit to quickly identify which specific connector is faulty by comparing measured values against expected values for each segment, thereby reducing diagnostic time.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency indication signal generation circuit provides immediate feedback by generating distinct frequency signals corresponding to different resistance states. This allows for rapid automated diagnosis where the diagnostic circuit can quickly determine the connection status of each connector without manual testing, significantly improving diagnostic efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple connectors are monitored in the high-voltage loop, then comprehensive safety coverage is achieved, but the complexity of identifying which connector is disconnected increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into independent resistor groups, each corresponding to a specific connector. This segmentation simplifies fault identification because each group can be evaluated independently, and the faulty connector is identified by comparing the equivalent resistance of each segment against its expected value, reducing the overall complexity despite monitoring multiple connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different resistor groups are assigned different resistance values to create unique electrical fingerprints for each connector. This parameter differentiation allows the diagnostic system to automatically identify the specific faulty connector by comparing measured resistance values against the known parameter set, simplifying the identification process even as the number of monitored connectors increases.
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
Enables rapid determination of which high-voltage interlock connector is not normally connected, improving diagnostic efficiency and enabling quicker safety measure activation.
Implementation Method 1
equivalent resistance values of the resistor set are determined by coupling states of various interlock detection contacts in the at least one high-voltage interlock connector and the interlock detection portion of the respective docking connector
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a high-voltage interlock circuit, a high-voltage interlock detection circuit, and a high-voltage device. The high-voltage interlock circuit comprises a resistor set, at least one high-voltage interlock connector, and a frequency indication signal generation circuit. The resistor set includes at least one resistor. A single high-voltage interlock connector comprises an interlock detection contact and a power contact. The interlock detection contact is coupled to a respective resistor. In case that a first high-voltage interlock connector is coupled to an external docking connector, the interlock detection contact of the first high-voltage interlock connector is coupled to an interlock detection portion of the docking connector. Equivalent resistance values of the resistor set are determined by coupling states of various interlock detection contacts in the at least one high-voltage interlock connector and the interlock detection portion of the respective docking connector.