Pyrotechnic HV Switch-Off with Arc Quenching for Vehicle Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage onboard systems in motor vehicles face challenges in safely and reliably interrupting the load current path during faults, such as overcurrents, which can lead to unwanted arcs and potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A switch-off device with a pyrotechnically activatable separating unit and an arc quenching unit, comprising a melting conductor and quenching device, that separates the current conductor and transfers arcs to a melting conductor, preventing them from re-establishing a path between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pyrotechnically activatable separating unit is used to interrupt the load current path, then the reliability of fault separation is improved, but unwanted arcs can arise between current conductor sections leading to fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arc quenching unit as an intermediary component between the separating element and the current conductor sections. This unit includes a melting conductor and quenching device that actively intercept and extinguish arcs before they can cause fire, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable fault separation and fire hazard prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful arc energy into a beneficial effect by using the melting conductor to deliberately create a controlled arc that transfers current away from the main current conductor sections. The quenching device then safely extinguishes this controlled arc, transforming the potential fire hazard into a protective mechanism
2Speed
If the separating element accelerates in the direction of the current conductor to separate it, then the speed of fault interruption is improved, but the energy released can generate unwanted arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The arc quenching unit is pre-positioned and ready before the separating element is activated. The melting conductor is already in place to intercept arcs, and the quenching device is prepared to immediately extinguish any arc that forms, thus preventing harmful arcs before they can develop from the separation process
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
Ensures safe and reliable interruption of the load current path, preventing unwanted arcs and fires by incorporating the arc quenching unit, which can handle faults with insufficient energy for melting the conductor, including during vehicle accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the pyrotechnic element is designed, in the event of a fault, to accelerate the separating element in the direction of the current conductor
Implementation Method 2
an arc quenching unit for quenching an arc which is generated upon the interruption of the load current path
Implementation Method 3
the separating element is designed, upon the separation of the current conductor, to bend a current conductor piece for the transfer of an arc generated on the melting conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A switch-off device includes a current conductor for forming a load current path, a pyrotechnically activatable separating unit for interrupting the load current path in the event of a fault, including a separating element for detaching the current conductor and a pyrotechnic element for accelerating the separating element in the direction of the current conductor, and an arc extinguishing unit for extinguishing an arc, including a melting conductor which is not normally incorporated into the load current path and an extinguishing device for extinguishing the melting conductor.