Shortest Improper Current Path Detection in Electrical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining non-intended current paths in electrical assemblies are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring multiple prototypes and manual testing to ensure compliance with safety standards, which can lead to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that automatically detect and calculate the shortest non-intended current path between conductive components with different electrical potentials, using a component detection unit, arrangement detection, material properties analysis, and beam generation to determine the shortest route, allowing for real-time compliance with standards during the construction phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prototypes are created and manually tested for compliance with safety standards, then electrical safety can be verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing automated compliance checks during the design phase using beam generation algorithms. The system calculates shortest current paths and verifies clearance/creepage distances before prototypes are manufactured, enabling early detection of non-compliance issues and avoiding time-consuming iterative prototyping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual testing system with an automated computational system. Instead of physically building and manually measuring prototypes, the invention uses computer-based beam generation algorithms to automatically calculate current paths and verify compliance with electrical safety standards
2Reliability
If multiple prototypes are produced for testing, then compliance with safety standards can be ensured, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs compliance verification in advance during design, identifying all non-compliance issues before any prototypes are manufactured. This preliminary check ensures that the first prototype produced will likely be compliant, eliminating the need for costly iterative prototyping and material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital models and virtual beam generation to simulate and analyze current paths. Instead of physically producing multiple prototypes to test compliance, the system creates virtual representations and performs computational analysis to verify safety standards
3Reliability
If manual testing methods are used to determine current paths, then compliance can be checked, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating beams, calculating current paths, and determining compliance without human intervention. The automated algorithm independently analyzes the electrical assembly model, computes shortest paths between conductive components, and verifies clearance/creepage distances according to safety standards
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (18) for determining the shortest non-standard current path between at least two electrically conductive components of an electrical assembly (10) comprising a plurality of electrically conductive and electrically insulating components, which are subjected to different electrical potentials during normal operation. The device comprises: a) a component detection unit for detecting all components of the assembly (10) and their geometry; b) an arrangement detection unit for detecting the arrangement of the components in the assembly (10) relative to one another; c) a material detection unit for detecting material properties of the detected components and/or assigning material properties to the components; and d) a conductivity determination unit for determining the electrically conductive components based on their material properties and their electrical potential during normal operation.e) a selection unit for selecting a first electrically conductive component that is subjected to a first electrical potential during normal operation, f) a beam generation unit for generating a plurality of straight and/or direction-changing beams whose starting point is the first component, g) a detection unit for determining, depending on the geometry and arrangement of the detected components, which of the beams strike a second electrical component of the assembly (10) which is classified as electrically conductive based on its material properties, h) a length determination unit for determining the path lengths from the respective starting point to the respective point of impact of those beams that strike the second component originating from the first component, and i) an evaluation unit for determining and outputting the shortest of the determined path lengths as the shortest non-intended current path.