High-Voltage Interlock Resistive Ladder for Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage interlock loop systems in vehicles require manual inspection to locate the source of an interruption in the low voltage loop, which is time-consuming, especially in vehicles with many components and connections.
Innovation Solution
A resistive ladder circuit connected to high voltage interlock loop components that outputs a unique signal indicative of which component has a fault condition, allowing a vehicle control unit to determine the faulty component automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to locate the source of interruption in the low voltage loop, then the system can identify faulty components, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated electrical diagnostic system. The resistive ladder circuit automatically traces the low voltage loop and identifies faulty components through electrical measurements, eliminating the need for technicians to manually inspect each component and connection point along the loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting and reporting faults in the high voltage interlock loop. The resistive ladder circuit and controller work together to autonomously identify the location of interruptions or faults without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to diagnose itself.
2Reliability
If a continuous low voltage loop is used to monitor high voltage components, then safety monitoring is achieved, but locating the source of interruption becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous low voltage loop into discrete monitorable sections by introducing a resistive ladder circuit with multiple connection points to individual high voltage components. This segmentation allows the controller to independently assess the status of each component or section of the loop, simplifying fault isolation while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive ladder circuit serves as an intermediary between the continuous low voltage loop and the controller. It provides a structured interface that translates the continuous loop status into discrete, analyzable signals, making it easier for the controller to identify specific fault locations without directly complexly analyzing the entire continuous loop.
3Reliability
If multiple high voltage components are connected in series around the low voltage loop, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but fault localization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive ladder circuit is pre-configured with multiple connection points corresponding to each high voltage component in the series loop. This preliminary structuring enables the controller to systematically query and assess each component's status without having to physically trace or manually inspect the entire series connection chain, significantly reducing fault detection difficulty.
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
Enables quick identification of faulty components, reducing the time required to remedy the fault by eliminating the need for manual inspection and ensuring safe operation by isolating only the faulty components from high voltage power.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive ladder having a plurality of interfaces to connect to a plurality of high voltage interlock loop components. The resistive ladder has an input to receive electrical power for the plurality of interfaces. The resistive ladder is configured to output a signal from an output of the resistive ladder indicative of which of the plurality of high voltage interlock components have a fault condition.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a high voltage interlock apparatus is provided for a vehicle. The high voltage interlock apparatus includes a resistive ladder having a plurality of interfaces to connect to a plurality of high voltage interlock loop components. The resistive ladder has an input to receive electrical power for the plurality of interfaces. The resistive ladder is configured to output a signal indicative of which of the plurality of high voltage interlock components have a fault condition.