Ignition Circuit Supply Testing via Coupling Diode Integrity Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupant protection systems' ignition circuits face challenges in detecting faults in reverse-polarity protection elements, leading to potential false activations due to undetected defects in coupling diodes, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and supply circuit that include a controllable charging and discharging circuit, coupled with reverse diodes, to test and ensure the integrity of coupling diodes, allowing for autonomous energy supply and fault detection, thereby preventing erroneous activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reverse-polarity protection elements (coupling diodes) are used in the ignition circuit supply circuit, then false activation risk is reduced, but the ability to detect faults in these protection elements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a supply voltage test before normal operation to detect faults in coupling diodes. The controllable charging circuit charges the energy accumulator to a test voltage level, and the evaluation unit measures whether the diodes are functioning correctly before the system enters normal operation mode, preventing undetected faults from causing false activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using an evaluation unit that continuously monitors the state of charge of the energy accumulator and compares it against expected values. When a deviation is detected during the supply voltage test or normal operation, the system provides feedback about the fault condition, enabling detection of coupling diode failures that would otherwise remain hidden.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a controllable charging circuit is added to test the supply voltage, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the controllable charging circuit to serve multiple functions: it charges the energy accumulator during normal operation and simultaneously serves as a test mechanism for detecting coupling diode faults. The evaluation unit also performs dual roles by monitoring both the state of charge for normal operation and detecting faults during testing, reducing the need for separate dedicated test equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to test its own supply circuit components using its existing energy accumulator and charging circuitry. The system uses its own energy accumulator as the test load and its own controllable charging circuit as the test source, eliminating the need for external test equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the energy accumulator is continuously connected to the first conversion circuit, then charging is maintained, but the ability to perform supply voltage tests is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the energy accumulator and the first conversion circuit controllable rather than fixed. The controllable charging circuit can dynamically switch between connecting the energy accumulator to the first conversion circuit for normal charging operations and disconnecting it to perform supply voltage tests with different voltage levels, enabling both continuous charging and fault detection capabilities.
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
The solution enables reliable detection of faults in the supply circuit, preventing false activations by ensuring the integrity of coupling diodes and providing autonomous energy supply, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of occupant protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling diode (D1), with which the at least one energy accumulator (C) is connected in a manner that provides reverse-polarity protection to the at least one ignition circuit (20, 30)
Implementation Method 2
a supply voltage (UB) being able to be applied via a second coupling diode (D2) to the at least one ignition circuit (20, 30)
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for testing a supply circuit for an ignition circuit having at least one energy accumulator, a first conversion circuit that raises a supply voltage to a specified voltage level and charges the at least one energy accumulator, a controllable discharging circuit that discharges the at least one energy accumulator as needed, the energy accumulator is connected via a first coupling diode to the ignition circuit, and the supply voltage is applied via a second coupling diode to the at least one ignition circuit. Following the system start-up, a state of charge of the at least one energy accumulator is ascertained and compared to the at least one specified threshold value, and as a function of the comparison, a faultless supply circuit or at least one fault is recognized.