Integrated Fuse Control System for Circuit Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of circuits that require both overcurrent and signal fuses in series increases design space, costs, and reduces battery efficiency due to increased circuit resistance.

Innovation Solution

An integrated fuse control system and method that combines overcurrent and signal fuses, using a heat generator, switch, and controller to detect defective modes and control the fusing of the overcurrent fuse, thereby reducing circuit resistance and design costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an overcurrent fuse and a signal fuse are connected in series to protect against overcurrent and other abnormal states, then circuit protection reliability is improved, but design space increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit protection reliabilityVSAvoiddesign space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the overcurrent fuse and signal fuse into a single integrated fuse unit. The fuse body contains both an overcurrent fuse element and a signal fuse element that share common structural components, allowing both protection functions to be achieved within one device rather than requiring two separate fuses connected in series.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fuse unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides overcurrent protection through the overcurrent fuse element, signal protection through the signal fuse element, and includes a heat generator for controlled fusing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection devices while maintaining comprehensive circuit protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an overcurrent fuse and a signal fuse are connected in series to protect against overcurrent and other abnormal states, then circuit protection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit protection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the overcurrent fuse and signal fuse into a single integrated fuse unit. The fuse body contains both an overcurrent fuse element and a signal fuse element that share common structural components, allowing both protection functions to be achieved within one device rather than requiring two separate fuses connected in series.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fuse unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides overcurrent protection through the overcurrent fuse element, signal protection through the signal fuse element, and includes a heat generator for controlled fusing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection devices while maintaining comprehensive circuit protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an overcurrent fuse and a signal fuse are connected in series to protect against overcurrent and other abnormal states, then circuit protection reliability is improved, but battery efficiency is reduced due to increased circuit resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit protection reliabilityVSAvoidbattery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the overcurrent fuse and signal fuse into a single integrated fuse unit. The fuse body contains both an overcurrent fuse element and a signal fuse element that share common structural components, allowing both protection functions to be achieved within one device rather than requiring two separate fuses connected in series.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fuse unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides overcurrent protection through the overcurrent fuse element, signal protection through the signal fuse element, and includes a heat generator for controlled fusing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection devices while maintaining comprehensive circuit protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces circuit resistance, conserves design space, and lowers costs by integrating the fusing mechanism of the signal fuse with the overcurrent fuse, enhancing battery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heat generator configured to generate heat to fuse the overcurrent fuse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11302504B2Fuse control system and method using defective mode detection

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A fuse control system and method using a defective mode detection, in which an overcurrent protective fuse and a signal fuse capable of performing a function under various conditions in order to protect a circuit are integrated. Thus, it is possible to protect the circuit even in states such as overvoltage, a high temperature, a low temperature, and other dangerous states in addition to an overcurrent state and a short-circuited state. In addition, it is possible to reduce a wide design space and design cost which result from various kinds of fuses being used in series, and to simplify a circuit configuration. Consequently, since circuit resistance is reduced, it is possible to have a positive influence on a battery.