Multi-Pole HV Power Switching with Split Breaking and Closing Roles

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-voltage vehicle power supply systems face issues with fault currents causing damage due to the lack of targeted division of functions among switches, leading to inefficient isolation and potential further damage during defects or malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with two differently configured electromechanical switches, one providing two-pole breaking capability and on-load breaking up to a specified voltage, and the other ensuring bounce-free switch-in capability, both actuable by low-voltage supply, with automatic opening and remaining closed in case of low-voltage failure respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If identical switches are used for all switch positions in a high-voltage vehicle power supply system, then each switch can fulfil all requirements individually, but the system lacks targeted division of functions leading to inefficient isolation and potential further damage during defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault isolation capabilityVSAvoidswitch configuration uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switching device into two distinct electromechanical switches with different configurations and functions. The first switch is designed for on-load breaking capability up to a specified voltage, while the second switch provides bounce-free switch-in capability. This segmentation allows each switch to be optimized for its specific function, improving fault isolation capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single switch type is used for both poles, then manufacturing and maintenance are simplified, but the system cannot optimize performance for different operational requirements of positive and negative poles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimization for different polesVSAvoidswitch production standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring the first and second electromechanical switches with different characteristics suited to their specific roles. The first switch incorporates features for on-load breaking while the second switch is optimized for bounce-free operation. This allows each pole to have switches tailored to its operational requirements, achieving functional optimization while the standardized two-switch architecture maintains reasonable manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If both switches are configured for on-load breaking capability, then breaking capacity is maintained, but holding power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreaking capacityVSAvoidholding power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing on-load breaking capability only where specifically needed (first switch) rather than duplicating this capability in both switches. The second switch is configured for bounce-free switch-in without on-load breaking, reducing unnecessary holding power consumption while maintaining adequate breaking capacity through the first switch's dedicated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If both switches are configured for bounce-free operation, then switching reliability is improved, but the cost and complexity of the switches increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching operation reliabilityVSAvoidswitch design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing bounce-free switch-in capability specifically in the second switch where it is most needed for reliable connection establishment, while the first switch focuses on on-load breaking capability. This targeted approach improves switching reliability at the critical connection point without unnecessarily increasing the complexity and cost of both switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration reduces contact resistance, maintains high-power capability, and ensures mechanical impact resistance while isolating defective components effectively, reducing holding power consumption and maintaining breaking capacity even with internal insulation faults.

Implementation Method 1

a first electromechanical switch and, for a second pole (e.g., a negative pole), a second electromechanical switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20240123831A1Switching Device for a Multi-Pole High-Voltage Vehicle Power Supply of an Electrically Operable Motor Vehicle, Electronic Control Unit, and Motor Vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.04.18 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US20240123831A1 patent drawing
  • US20240123831A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A switching device for a multi-pole high-voltage vehicle power supply of an electrically operable motor vehicle is provided. The switching device includes at least one first electromechanical switch assigned to a first pole of at least one high-voltage accumulator, and having at least one second electromechanical switch assigned to a second pole of at least one high-voltage accumulator, wherein a first switch and a second switch have a different design and are designed to meet a first defined requirement together, and wherein at least one of the two switch types—here referred to as the first switch—is designed so as meet at least a second defined requirement on its own.