Hybrid Component Theft Detection via Interlock Loop Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft systems in motor vehicles do not effectively detect unauthorized dismantling or theft of hybrid components, particularly expensive storage batteries used in commercial vehicles, which are often located externally and thus vulnerable to theft.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement that monitors an interlock loop for line interruptions using a resistance measurement, triggering an alarm signal via a signaling device, either within or outside the hybrid component, utilizing test resistors to detect changes in resistance during theft attempts, and can transmit alerts via radio signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing anti-theft alarm systems are used, then vehicle theft prevention is achieved, but hybrid component dismantling theft cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection scope
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The existing anti-theft alarm system is extended to serve dual purposes: it continues to prevent vehicle theft while simultaneously detecting hybrid component dismantling theft. The alarm system is adapted to monitor both the vehicle interior and the hybrid component connections, allowing one system to perform multiple security functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of the hybrid component connections before theft occurs. The alarm system is configured to detect line breaks or resistance changes in advance, triggering warnings before the actual theft is completed, thereby preventing the theft rather than just detecting it afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If complex security devices with data processing are used, then locking function for additional devices is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the theft detection function from the complex data processing security device and implements it through a simpler resistance measurement approach. Instead of using complex coding and data processing systems, the solution uses a dedicated detector that simply measures resistance changes in the electrical line connections, achieving security with minimal circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex electronic data processing and coding systems with a simpler electrical resistance measurement system. Instead of using microprocessors and communication protocols for security, the solution uses basic electrical measurement principles to detect line breaks, substituting complex electronics with simpler electrical sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If resistance measurement is used to detect line breaks, then theft detection is achieved, but additional resistance elements are required in hybrid component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline break detectionVSAvoidcomponent modification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the existing electrical line connections serve dual purposes: they continue to provide power and control signals to the hybrid component while simultaneously functioning as the measurement path for theft detection. The existing wiring harness and connector contacts are utilized as the resistance measurement path, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for efficient detection of theft with minimal additional circuit complexity, providing immediate acoustic, optical, or radio alerts to prevent unauthorized removal of hybrid components, even when contact bridges are used during theft attempts.

Implementation Method 1

A line break in an electrical circuit can be detected very easily by means of a resistance measurement, since if a line connection is broken, the volume resistance of the line increases to practically infinity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2698772B1Circuit assembly for theft detection for hybrid components
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2698772B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2698772B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The circuit arrangement comprises a detector (D), which monitors an electrical line connection to or in a hybrid component (1) and triggers an alarm signal by a signaling unit (S) in an event of a detected line interruption. The monitored line connection is an interlock loop (IL) guided over a connector (2) through the hybrid component. The monitored line connection is the high-voltage line of the hybrid component, through which the electric power is transmitted to the drive components of the motor vehicle.