Electronic Load Switch Direct Contact for Energy Storage Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical circuits that connect energy storage devices or loads often require manual assembly of mechanically pressed spring contacts, which are costly and labor-intensive, and also necessitate additional temperature sensors for monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The use of an electronic load switch as an electrical contact on the circuit to directly connect energy storage devices or loads, eliminating the need for spring contacts and allowing the load switch to serve both as a mechanical and electrical interface, and potentially replacing mechanical switches, while also providing temperature monitoring capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring contacts are used for electrical connection of energy storage devices, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but assembly effort and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical contact function and mechanical retention function into a single integrated load switch component. The load switch simultaneously provides electrical connection and mechanical retention of the energy storage device, eliminating the need for separate spring contacts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load switch serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrical switch, an electrical contact, and a mechanical retention element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If spring contacts and cables are used for contacting energy storage devices, then electrical connection is established, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical contact function with the load switch component, eliminating the need for separate spring contacts and cables. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (spring contacts and cables) from the system by using the load switch to directly contact the energy storage device. This reduction in component count directly reduces manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If additional temperature sensors are installed for monitoring energy storage temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load switch is designed to serve dual purposes: electrical switching and temperature monitoring. By integrating a temperature sensor with the load switch, the system achieves temperature monitoring capability without adding separate sensor components, thereby reducing assembly effort and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the temperature monitoring function with the load switch component. The temperature sensor is integrated into the load switch housing or structure, allowing simultaneous electrical switching and temperature measurement without requiring additional separate mounting and wiring operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If mechanical switches are used for switching energy storage devices, then switching function is achieved, but the opportunity to integrate temperature monitoring and reduce component count is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionVSAvoidintegrated functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical switch with an electronic load switch that incorporates temperature monitoring capability. This electronic switch maintains the switching function while adding temperature monitoring, thereby increasing adaptability and versatility without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2592913B1Direct contacting of an energy storage device or a load with an electronic load switch
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2592913B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The electric circuit (1) has electrical contacts for the connection of an energy store (2) e.g. battery and/or a load such as halogen lamp and bulb. An electronic circuit breaker (3) is provided as electric contact for enabling direct contact of electrical terminal of the energy store and/or load. The electronic circuit breaker is equipped with FET and gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a system for switching ON/OFF of energy store and/or load; and (2) a method for electric contacting of energy store and/or load to electric circuit.