HVDC Connection Element With Integrated Fuse Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Protective devices such as overcurrent fuses in electric vehicles are often housed separately and difficult to access, necessitating complex maintenance and service procedures.

Innovation Solution

A connection device integrates overcurrent fuses into existing structures, allowing easy access and safe servicing by protruding into a housing and using a mounting plate for secure attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective devices are housed separately, then they are protected from damage, but they become difficult to access for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of protective elementsVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into a housing portion and a mounting plate portion that can be easily separated. The protective elements are integrated into the housing portion, while the mounting plate can be detached to provide access to these elements for maintenance while keeping them protected when mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If protective devices are integrated into existing structures, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but they may become difficult to protect from contact and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidcontact and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate acts as an intermediary component between the housing and the external environment. It provides a interface that allows easy access to protective elements during maintenance while the housing structure continues to provide protection when the device is in normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If separate housing is used for protective elements, then they are well-protected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of protective elementsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and mounting plate are designed as integrated components of a single connection device. The mounting plate is directly attached to the housing, combining the protective function of the housing with the accessibility function of the mounting plate into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of repair

If protective elements are easily accessible, then maintenance is simplified, but they become vulnerable to contact and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidcontact and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device transitions between two dynamic states: a closed state where the mounting plate is attached and protective elements are protected, and an open state where the mounting plate is detached for maintenance. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between protection and accessibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4074554B1Connection device for a high-voltage direct current power consumer, power supply device and electric driving axle
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4074554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4074554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4074554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connection element for high-voltage DC loads and a power supply device for external high-voltage DC loads. One or more electrical protective elements are integrated into the connection device for the load. In particular, the protective elements are integrated into the connection device in such a way that they are arranged within an existing housing. This eliminates the need for an additional, separate housing for such protective elements.