Power Supply Load Detection via Capacitor Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices for hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell vehicles face complexity in determining the connection state of loads without using connectors with connection detecting plugs, making it difficult to distinguish between connected and non-contact states.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a battery, positive and negative terminal contactors, and a control portion that includes a voltage detecting circuit and determination circuit to detect the capacitor voltage, allowing for the determination of the load's connection state without a connector or connection detecting plug, using predetermined voltage thresholds and periodic checks to ensure reliable detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection detecting plug is integrated into the connector to detect load connection state, then the connection state can be detected, but the connector construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection detection function from the connector structure itself. Instead of integrating a detection plug into the connector, the system uses the existing capacitor and voltage detection circuit to determine connection state. The control portion detects whether the capacitor is charged through voltage measurement, thereby inferring the load connection state without requiring specialized detection components in the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves dual purposes: it functions as an energy storage component for the power supply system and simultaneously acts as an indicator for connection state detection. By monitoring the capacitor's charge status, the system self-determines whether the load is properly connected, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If fastening screws are used to connect the load without a connector, then the construction is simpler, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between connected and non-contact states
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the control portion continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and uses this information to determine the load connection state. The voltage detection circuit provides feedback about the capacitor charge status, which the control portion interprets to infer whether the load is properly connected or in a non-contact state, enabling detection without complex mechanical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical connection detection methods (such as mechanical interlocks or position sensors in connectors) with an electrical detection method. By measuring the electrical state of the capacitor through voltage detection, the system determines connection status without relying on mechanical structures, thereby simplifying the physical connection interface while maintaining detection capability.
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 simple construction and reliable detection of load connection states, reducing complexity and ensuring accurate identification of connected or non-contact states, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detecting circuit, and a determination circuit. The voltage detecting circuit detects the capacitor voltage of a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device includes a battery, positive and negative-side contactors and a controller. The battery supplies power to a load. The positive-side contactor is serially connected to the positive side of the battery, and the negative-side contactor is serially connected to the negative side of the battery. The controller determines whether the load connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor is in a connected or non-contact state. The controller includes a voltage detecting circuit that detects the capacitor voltage of a capacitor connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor, and a determination circuit that compares the detected voltage with a predetermined voltage and determines the connected state of the load.