Maneuver Switch Segmentation for Disconnector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrangements for controlling disconnectors in motor vehicle electric systems cannot distinguish between intentional disconnection and faults, leading to potential unintentional power loss and dangerous situations during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A maneuver switch with two fixed output contacts and two movable contact members, configured to connect to different input contacts in different positions, and a sensing device to determine the switch's position based on sensed parameters, ensuring the disconnector is only opened intentionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple maneuver switch with single conducting path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between intentional opening and faults
Solution Approach 1:
The maneuver switch is divided into two separate conducting paths (first and second paths) with distinct contact arrangements. Each path can independently detect switch position, allowing the system to cross-validate signals and distinguish between intentional opening and faults, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from both conducting paths and analyzes the combined signals to determine whether the disconnector opening is intentional or caused by a fault. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent decision-making that improves reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Reliability
If two maneuver switches in series are used, then the reliability is improved by preventing single-point failures, but the device complexity increases and the ability to distinguish faults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using two separate maneuver switches in series, the invention segments a single maneuver switch into two independent conducting paths with distinct contact arrangements. This segmentation provides fault detection capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple switches and their coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuver switch performs multiple functions: it can intentionally open the disconnector, and simultaneously serve as a fault detection device through its dual conducting paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If time delays are introduced to prevent unintended opening, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases and the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dual conducting paths are continuously monitored and configured to detect faults before they cause unintended disconnector opening. By having the fault detection capability in place beforehand, the system can immediately respond to actual intentional opening commands without requiring time delays, thus maintaining fast response time while improving reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for controlling a disconnector (100) arranged between power batteries (101) and a consumer side of an electric system of a motor vehicle comprises a maneuver switch (108) to be manually operated and configured to connect a control unit (106) for the control of the disconnector to a conducting line (105) on the battery side of the disconnector. The maneuver switch (108) is configured to in a first position by movable contact members (118, 119) thereof connect each of two fixed output contacts (110, 11) to a different of two fixed input contacts (114, 115) than in a second position. A parameter is sensed on at least one input line from the maneuver switch to the control unit for determining which of the first and second position is assumed by the maneuver switch. 1