Power distribution and circuit protection for a mobile application having a high efficiency inverter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical power distribution in mobile applications faces challenges due to highly variable loads, thermal and mechanical stresses on fuses, complex system responses, and limited space and weight constraints, leading to integration complexities, increased failure points, and inflexible design parameters that result in high costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A configurable charging circuit with inductive coupling arrangements and a switch for selective coupling between AC and DC charging circuits, along with a controller for interpreting charging station conditions to optimize charging modes and configurations, reducing the number of interfaces and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and interfaces are used in the power distribution system, then the system can handle highly variable loads and provide comprehensive functionality, but the device complexity increases and the number of failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power distribution functions into a single integrated power distribution unit that houses both the high-side breaker/relay and low-side breaker/relay. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interfaces while maintaining the ability to handle highly variable loads through coordinated operation of the integrated protection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different breaker/relay configurations and handle various load conditions. The unit provides multi-functional capability including overcurrent protection, circuit isolation, and load management through its integrated architecture, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If traditional power distribution components are used, then the system provides adequate protection, but the component size and weight increase, consuming valuable mobile application space
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the high-side and low-side breaker/relay functions into a single power distribution unit with shared housing and control electronics, the patent reduces the total weight compared to using separate traditional components. The unified design eliminates redundant structural elements while maintaining comprehensive circuit protection capability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If invasive active determinations are made to diagnose electrical system issues, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the application performance deteriorates and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breaker/relay unit incorporates integrated sensing capabilities that continuously monitor electrical parameters without requiring external invasive diagnostic equipment. The unit self-diagnoses its own status and provides feedback on circuit conditions, enabling passive determination of system health that does not interfere with application performance or cause downtime.
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
Enhances flexibility and reliability in power distribution, reduces component size and weight, and minimizes downtime by optimizing charging modes based on system conditions, thus improving system integration and reducing failure points.
Implementation Method 1
the switch in a first position couples the AC charging circuit to the DC charging circuit through a first inductive coupling arrangement utilizing a magnetic component, and wherein the switch in a second position couples the AC charging circuit to the DC charging circuit through a second inductive coupling arrangement utilizing the magnetic component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system includes an electric mobile application having a configurable charging circuit, the configurable charging circuit including an AC charging circuit couplable to a charging station on a first side, a DC charging circuit selectively couplable to a high voltage battery of the electric mobile application on a first side, and a switch interposed between the AC and DC charging circuits, where the switch provides selective coupling between the AC charging circuit on a second side and the DC charging circuit on a second side, where the switch in a first position couples the AC charging circuit to the DC charging circuit through a first inductive coupling arrangement utilizing a magnetic component, and where the switch in a second position couples the AC charging circuit to the DC charging circuit through a second inductive coupling arrangement utilizing the magnetic component.