Pyro Igniter Circuit Testing Without Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pyro igniter circuits only check the internal integrity of the control circuit and not the complete circuit loop, leading to incomplete diagnostics and potential uncontrolled activation.

Innovation Solution

A pyro igniter circuit with a shunt resistor, amplifier, pyro igniter disconnect element, and supervisory circuit that uses a test signal with a pulse duration and amplitude below the activation threshold to check the entire circuit without activating the pyro igniter disconnect element, allowing for comprehensive testing without interfering with its functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a test signal is applied to check the complete circuit loop, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but the risk of accidental pyro igniter activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic completenessVSAvoidaccidental activation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The test signal parameters (amplitude and pulse duration) are specifically adjusted to remain below the activation threshold of the pyro igniter disconnect element. This allows the complete circuit loop to be tested while preventing accidental activation by operating in a sub-threshold parameter regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The supervisory circuit acts as an intermediary that generates and controls the test signal, ensuring it maintains diagnostic effectiveness while staying below activation levels. The supervisory circuit mediates between the need for complete circuit testing and the need to prevent accidental pyro igniter activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the pyro igniter disconnect element is made highly sensitive for safety, then response speed is improved, but the likelihood of false activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidfalse activation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic test signals with controlled duration and amplitude to regularly check circuit integrity without triggering the pyro igniter. The disconnect element remains highly sensitive for actual faults but is protected from false activation by the controlled periodic testing regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The test signal applies partial action by using amplitude and pulse duration that are insufficient to activate the pyro igniter but sufficient to detect circuit faults. This partial activation approach enables diagnostics while maintaining safety margins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If conventional testing methods are used to check circuit integrity, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but diagnostic accuracy remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting system complexityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supervisory circuit performs multiple functions: it monitors circuit integrity, generates diagnostic test signals, and ensures safety by preventing accidental activation. This multi-functional approach improves diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 thorough and reliable testing of the pyro igniter circuit, preventing accidental activation and ensuring the circuit's functionality is maintained, with fast and analogue testing that can be adjusted to suit the requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The cutting of the power line by the pyro igniter element is conventionally performed by a rapid pyro reaction which requires and activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyro reaction: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

an ignition control signal that is amplified by an amplifier of the pyro igniter circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP3882944B1Pyro igniter circuit and testing method

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a pyro igniter circuit (1), comprising: a shunt resistor (10) connected in series with a power line (35), an amplifier (20) comprising inputs (21, 22) electrically connected to terminals (11, 12) of the shunt resistor (10) and a pyro igniter disconnect element (30) electrically connected to an output (24) of the amplifier (20) and configured to cut the power line (35) based on an ignition control signal (54) received from the output (24) of the amplifier (20). Further, the pyro igniter circuit (1) comprises a coupling resistor (40) electrically interconnected between an input (21) of the amplifier (20) and a terminal (11) of the shunt resistor (10) and a supervisory circuit (50) electrically connected to a node (n1) interconnected between an input (21) of the amplifier (20) and the coupling resistor (40), configured to: transmit a test signal (52) to the node (n1), wherein the test signal (52) comprises a pulse duration time (Td) below an igniter activation pulse time (Ta) of the pyro igniter disconnect element (30) and/or the ignition control signal (54) in response to the transmitted test signal (52) comprises an amplitude (Vd, Id) below an igniter activation amplitude (Va, la) of the pyro igniter disconnect element (30); and receive a diagnostic response signal (54, 56, 58) in response to the transmitted test signal (52).