Interchangeable Module for Power Electronics Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for testing and adjusting power electronics units in motor vehicles are inefficient and unreliable, often resulting in damage due to incorrect connections and the use of complex devices for various types of units, especially when handling high voltages and currents.

Innovation Solution

A device with a removable, interchangeable module for each type of power electronics unit, featuring a uniform connection section on the testing device and matching connection elements on the module, allowing for safe and efficient electrical and electronic connections, along with automated processes for testing and setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex testing/adjustment device is used for different types of power electronics units, then the device can handle various unit types, but the risk of incorrect connection and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to test different types of power electronics unitsVSAvoidrisk of incorrect connection and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device is divided into a permanent base unit and interchangeable test modules. Each test module is specifically designed for a particular type of power electronics unit, allowing the system to handle various unit types while maintaining connection reliability through specialized interfaces for each module type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each interchangeable test module has connection elements specifically configured for its designated power electronics unit type. This ensures that the connection geometry, pinout, and interface characteristics are optimized for the specific unit type, eliminating the risk of incorrect connections when testing different types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If manual connection methods are used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but testing efficiency and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements on the interchangeable test modules are pre-configured and pre-positioned according to the specific requirements of each power electronics unit type. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual connection setup during testing, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through module interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If connection elements are arranged for precise high-frequency measurements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency measurement accuracyVSAvoidconnection element arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex connection element arrangements required for precise high-frequency measurements are contained within individual interchangeable test modules. Each module has its internal complexity optimized for its specific measurement requirements, while the overall system maintains simplicity through standardized module interfaces with the permanent unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4443176A1Device and method for testing and/or adjusting a power electronics unit
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 SONPLAS
  • EP4443176A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4443176A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4443176A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for testing and/or adjusting a power electronics unit (5), in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a receptacle (30) for receiving and holding the power electronics unit (5) to be tested, a test/adjustment device (50) which is designed with at least one electronic program for performing test/adjustment steps on the power electronics unit (5), and a plurality of connection elements (40) which are designed for connecting the test/adjustment device (50) to the power electronics unit (5) arranged in the receptacle, wherein in the connected state, testing and/or adjusting functions of the power electronics unit (5) can be carried out by the test device (50).According to the invention, the receiving device is designed as an interchangeable module (30) which is easily removable and interchangeable on a base frame (12) of the device (10), a uniform first connection section (56) for establishing electrical and/or electronic connections is provided on the test/adjustment device (50), a second connection section (36) matching the first connection section (56) for establishing the electrical and/or electronic connections between the test/adjustment device (50) and the interchangeable module (30) is provided on the interchangeable module (30), and the plurality of connection elements (40) are arranged on the interchangeable module (30) and are designed to connect a predetermined power electronics unit (5).