Motor Drive Circuit Insulation Resistance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor drive circuits cannot effectively detect the insulation resistance of both the motor drive circuit and the motor, which is crucial for preventing electrical leaks and ensuring safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A motor drive circuit with a detection mechanism that uses a DC power supply and an inverter with upper and lower arm switch devices, performing insulation resistance detection by analyzing voltage states in specific switch configurations to determine if the insulation resistance is within a predetermined threshold, allowing for the detection of both motor drive circuit and motor insulation resistances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional motor drive circuit is used, then the circuit can drive the motor, but it cannot detect the insulation resistance of both the motor drive circuit and the motor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation resistance detection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into two distinct detection operations: first detection operation for detecting insulation resistance of the motor drive circuit, and second detection operation for detecting insulation resistance of the motor. This segmentation allows the system to measure different insulation resistances separately by switching the state of switch devices, resolving the contradiction by enabling comprehensive detection without requiring a completely separate detection system for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same detection portion and circuit structure are used to perform multiple detection functions - detecting insulation resistance of both the motor drive circuit and the motor. By utilizing the existing circuit components (switch devices, detection portion) for dual purposes through different operational states, the invention achieves comprehensive insulation detection without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If insulation resistance detection is added to the motor drive circuit, then detection capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical leak preventionVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor drive circuit performs self-diagnosis by using its own switch devices and circuit structure to detect insulation resistance. The detection portion utilizes the existing power supply lines and switch devices already present in the circuit, allowing the system to monitor its own insulation status without requiring entirely separate external detection equipment, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation resistance detection is performed at predetermined timing before normal motor operation begins. The control portion controls the switch devices to appropriate states for detection, and only after successful detection does the system transition to normal operation. This preliminary detection ensures safety and reliability are verified before operation, preventing electrical leaks while integrating detection into the existing control sequence without continuous complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9236827B2Motor drive circuit, motor device, and moving vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.01.12 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US9236827B2 patent drawing
  • US9236827B2 patent drawing
  • US9236827B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor drive circuit comprises: a DC power supply; power supply lines; an inverter which has upper arm switch elements and lower arm switch elements; and a detection unit for detecting, based on a power state on the previous stage side of the inverter, the insulation resistances of the motor drive circuit and the motor. The detection unit performs a first detection operation for detecting the insulation resistances by using the output of the DC power supply while the upper arm switch elements and the lower arm switch elements are all turned off and a second detection operation for detecting the insulation resistances by using the output of the DC power supply while the elements of one of the upper arm switch elements and the lower arm switch elements are all turned off and at least one of the elements of the other one is turned on.