MOSFET Pyrofuse Triggering Circuit for Fast Multi-Fuse Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrofuses are difficult to trigger quickly and reliably, especially when multiple fuses need to be triggered simultaneously in energy storage systems, as they require a specific triggering current over a long period, which is challenging to achieve without introducing time delays.
Innovation Solution
An actuating apparatus using a field effect transistor stage, such as a MOSFET, to switch the supply voltage through to the pyrofuse, with voltage stabilizing capacitors to ensure a high gate current and a flip-flop stage to convert temporary sensor signals into permanent triggering signals, allowing for fast and simultaneous triggering of multiple pyrofuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific triggering current is applied to the pyrofuse, then reliable triggering occurs, but the triggering time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors (C1, C2) to a higher voltage than the nominal supply voltage before a triggering event occurs. When triggering is required, these pre-charged capacitors immediately discharge through the pyrofuse, providing the necessary high current without waiting for the supply voltage to build up. This eliminates the time delay while ensuring reliable triggering through sufficient current magnitude.
2Reliability
If multiple pyrofuses are triggered simultaneously, then complete protection is achieved, but the triggering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple triggering functions into a single integrated circuit board design. Multiple pyrofuses share common control logic, power distribution, and signal routing on one circuit board. The control unit can activate any combination of pyrofuses through unified control signals, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate triggering systems for each fuse while ensuring complete protection coverage.
3Device complexity
If normal safety fuses are used, then the system is simple, but they cannot withstand high currents or enable fast triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary triggering system between the control unit and the pyrofuses. This intermediary system includes pre-charged capacitors, control logic, and switching elements that mediate the triggering process. It translates control signals into the high-current pulses needed by pyrofuses, enabling fast and reliable triggering while keeping the overall system design manageable through modular architecture.
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 precise, fast, and reliable triggering of pyrofuses, even in high-current applications, by using a MOSFET stage to switch the supply voltage and stabilizing capacitors to provide a sufficient gate current, ensuring quick disconnection of energy storage components without significant time delays.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating circuit that can be connected to the triggering output for providing the triggering current to the triggering outlet in dependence on the received triggering signal
Implementation Method 2
with voltage stabilizing capacitors to ensure a high gate current
Implementation Method 3
Such pyrofuses are known per se and typically use a pyrotechnical material mixture that mechanically and sustainably interrupts an associated line when ignited
Implementation Method 4
and a flip-flop stage to convert temporary sensor signals into permanent triggering signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuating apparatus for triggering at least one pyrofuse, comprising a supply voltage connection for connection to a supply voltage, at least one triggering output for connecting the at least one pyrofuse and applying a triggering current to the pyrofuse, a signal input for receiving a triggering signal which indicates a state which extends the triggering, and at least one actuating circuit, which can be connected to the supply connection, for providing the triggering current at the triggering outlet in accordance with the received triggering signal, wherein said actuating circuit comprises a field-effect transistor stage for connecting the supply voltage through to the triggering output in accordance with the received triggering signal.