Vehicle Power Inverter Open Circuit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle power systems lack a method to distinguish between an open circuit due to a circuit fault and an open circuit breaker, as they cannot differentiate between the absence of voltage caused by a fault in the electrical path or an open circuit breaker.
Innovation Solution
A power inverter system that detects voltage levels at multiple outlets and circuit breakers, generating a signal to indicate whether the electrical paths to the outlets have failed or if the circuit breakers are open, based on designated combinations and amounts of outlets with no voltage, allowing for accurate open circuit detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage detection is performed at outlets to detect open circuits, then open circuit detection capability is provided, but the system cannot distinguish between open circuit breaker and electrical path failure
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection points: voltage detection at outlets and position detection of circuit breakers. By dividing the detection function across multiple sensors and locations, the system can cross-reference data to distinguish between outlet voltage loss caused by open circuit breakers versus electrical path failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker position sensor acts as an intermediary element that provides additional information about circuit breaker status. This intermediary detection mechanism enables the control unit to interpret outlet voltage readings in context, determining whether voltage loss is due to intentional circuit breaker opening or unintended electrical path failure.
2Device complexity
If simple voltage detection is used at outlets, then detection simplicity is maintained, but fault location precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments monitoring functions across multiple simple sensors: voltage sensors at outlets and position sensors at circuit breakers. Each sensor performs a simple, independent measurement, but together they provide precise fault location capability through data correlation in the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages inverter operation, processes voltage readings from outlets, monitors circuit breaker positions, and performs diagnostic analysis. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single intelligent component while keeping individual detection elements simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle power system includes an inverter, outlets, and circuit breakers. The inverter supplies power to the outlets through the circuit breakers. The inverter, in response to detecting no voltage at designated amount and combination of the outlets, based on the designated amount and combination, generates a signal indicating that one or more of electrical paths to the outlets has failed or one or more of the circuit breakers is open.