Measuring Resistor Assembly With Probe Positioning Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing current measurement systems in electronic circuits, particularly in battery management systems of electric or hybrid vehicles, face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable measurements due to temperature dependence of terminal element materials and the need for precise positioning of voltage taps, which complicates the measurement of voltage drops across resistors.

Innovation Solution

A resistor arrangement with a resistive element having shaped elements on its surface, such as protrusions or recesses, is used to precisely position measuring probes, minimizing temperature influence and ensuring accurate voltage measurements by eliminating the need for taps on terminal elements, and allowing for redundant measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If voltage taps are positioned on terminal elements to measure voltage drop, then measurement can be performed, but temperature dependence of terminal material significantly influences measurement signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the voltage measurement function from the terminal elements and relocates it to the resistive element itself by creating tapped connections at specific positions on the resistive element. This separation removes the temperature-dependent terminal material from the measurement circuit, eliminating its harmful influence on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapped connections serve as intermediary elements that provide direct electrical access to the resistive element at predetermined positions. These intermediaries enable voltage measurement without requiring contact with the terminal elements, thus mediating between the measurement need and the temperature-stable resistive element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If voltage taps are positioned very precisely on the resistor to eliminate temperature influence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tapped connections are integrated into the resistive element during its manufacturing process, before the resistive element is assembled into the final resistor arrangement. This preliminary formation of measurement taps eliminates the need for subsequent precise positioning operations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the formation of the resistive element and the tapped connections into a single manufacturing process. The tapped connections are created as integral parts of the resistive element during its production, combining two previously separate operations (resistive element fabrication and tap positioning) into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the resistive element material has high resistivity for accurate measurement, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the material selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs composite material structures where the resistive element is made from materials with high resistivity for measurement accuracy, while the terminal elements use highly conductive materials for low-impedance connections. This composite approach allows optimization of each component's material properties for its specific function, expanding overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different material qualities to different parts of the resistor arrangement: the resistive element uses high-resistivity material for measurement sensitivity, while the terminal elements use low-resistivity material for efficient current conduction. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The resistor arrangement achieves high measurement accuracy and reliability by precisely positioning measuring probes, reducing temperature-induced errors and enabling consistent resistance values, even with varying resistive element properties.

Implementation Method 1

The composite material is produced from three metal strips by joining the individual metal strips together via a longitudinal seam using an electron beam or laser welding process.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam welding: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

The composite material is produced from three metal strips by joining the individual metal strips together via a longitudinal seam using an electron beam or laser welding process.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 3

An aluminum wire is connected to the silicon rod by ultrasonic welding.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4012727B1Measuring resistor, resistor assembly and method for the production of same
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 WIELAND WERKE AG
  • EP4012727B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4012727B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a resistor arrangement (1) comprising at least two terminal elements (21, 22) and at least one strip- or plate-shaped resistor element (3) arranged between the terminal elements (21, 22), wherein the resistor element (3) has a top (31), a bottom (32), and two parallel longitudinal sides (33, 34), and wherein the at least one resistor element (3) is made of a material whose electrical conductivity is lower than the electrical conductivity of the material of the terminal elements (21, 22). The resistor element (3) has at least one shaping element (4) as a positioning aid on at least its top (31) or at least its bottom (32). The invention further relates to methods for manufacturing such a resistor arrangement.