Parallel Current Sensor Layout for Abnormality Detection Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current sensors are not easily downsized in configurations for detecting abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A parallel circuit unit with multiple conductive paths and current sensors that detect currents through these paths, with an abnormality determination unit to determine sensor abnormalities based on detection values, allowing for reduced current capacity and simplified configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current sensors are used in a configuration to detect abnormalities, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but sensor size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current measurement function into multiple current sensors, each measuring current in separate parallel conductive paths. By segmenting the total current measurement into partial current measurements across parallel paths, each sensor can be smaller while collectively providing comprehensive abnormality detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring total current through a single path to measuring current distribution across multiple parallel paths simultaneously. This dimensional change from one-dimensional total current measurement to multi-dimensional parallel path measurement enables both size reduction and abnormality detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple current sensors are used to detect currents in parallel paths, then abnormality detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel circuit unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it divides current into measurable paths for sensor measurement, provides redundancy for abnormality detection, and enables comparison-based error identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device despite using multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality determination unit continuously compares detection values from multiple current sensors against expected relationships (such as current division ratios in parallel paths). This feedback mechanism automatically identifies abnormalities when deviations occur, providing precise detection without requiring complex manual analysis or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An abnormality detection device includes a parallel circuit unit in which a plurality of conductive paths are connected in parallel, a plurality of current sensors, and an abnormality determination unit. The current sensors respectively detect currents flowing through the plurality of conductive paths. The abnormality determination unit performs abnormality determination of the current sensors based on the respective detection values of the plurality of current sensors. In the abnormality detection device, currents distributed between the plurality of conductive paths are detected by the respective current sensor, and abnormality determination of the current sensors is performed based on the detection values. Accordingly, with this configuration, the current tolerance of the individual current sensors can be reduced, and thus the current sensors can be easily downsized.