Pyrotechnic Switch Residual Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic switches primarily focus on disconnecting electrical connections but lack the capability to efficiently dissipate residual energies that may remain in a vehicle electrical system after a crash, due to capacitances.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic switch design that includes an igniter, a separating element, and a busbar with a third connection line, where the second connection is electrically connected to the third connection upon activation, allowing for the disconnection of the first connection before establishing a new connection to ground, facilitating the dissipation of residual energies through a contact element, such as a nail-shaped contact element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a pyrotechnic switch only disconnects electrical connections without providing a ground path, then the device complexity is reduced, but residual energies cannot be dissipated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic switch is segmented into two independent pyrotechnic cartridges: a first cartridge for disconnecting the electrical connection (severing the busbar) and a second cartridge for establishing the ground connection (moving the contact element). This segmentation allows each cartridge to perform a specific function, enabling effective residual energy dissipation while keeping each individual cartridge relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic switch system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both disconnect electrical connections and establish ground connections for residual energy dissipation. The contact element serves dual purposes by being movable via the second pyrotechnic cartridge to create a ground path, while the busbar serves as both the electrical conductor to be severed and the structural component that the contact element moves toward.
2Reliability
If the busbar is severed before establishing ground connection, then safety is improved by preventing short circuits, but the time required for complete energy dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first pyrotechnic cartridge is designed to activate first, severing the busbar and disconnecting the electrical connection before the second cartridge establishes the ground connection. This preliminary action ensures that the main electrical path is broken first, preventing short circuits, while the subsequent ground connection provides a safe path for residual energy dissipation without causing harmful currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the severed busbar and the ground connection. When moved by the second pyrotechnic cartridge, it creates a controlled electrical path from the isolated busbar section to ground, allowing residual energies to dissipate safely without creating dangerous short circuits across the main system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a contact element is added to establish ground connection, then the capability to dissipate residual energies is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground connection functionality is extracted as a separate, independent function performed by the second pyrotechnic cartridge and contact element, rather than being integrated into the busbar or first cartridge. This extraction allows the ground connection system to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased 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 quick and reliable dissipation of residual energies in the vehicle electrical system by ensuring the connection to the voltage source is disconnected before establishing a ground connection, thereby preventing potential hazards.
Implementation Method 1
an igniter (3) which, in the activated state, triggers the separating element (4) to cut through the conductor rail (6)
Implementation Method 2
a separating element (4) which, in the activated state, cuts through the conductor rail (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pyrotechnic switch (1) comprising a detonator (3), a separating element (4) and a busbar (6), wherein a first connection (7) and a second connection (8) are arranged on the busbar (6), wherein the pyrotechnic switch (1) is designed such that in the activated state the separating element (4) cuts the busbar (6), wherein the pyrotechnic switch (1) has at least a third connection (10) with a conductor (11), wherein the pyrotechnic switch (1) is designed such that in the activated state the second connection (8) is electrically connected to the third connection (10).