Redundant Ground Line Fault Detection Using Resistance Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems with redundant grounding lack effective methods for detecting and diagnosing both intermittent and permanent ground faults, often relying on complex circuitry or lacking detection capabilities altogether.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting ground faults by monitoring current and voltage through multiple ground lines, calculating resistances, and comparing differences to thresholds, with the ability to diagnose fault severity based on time points and resistance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex circuitry is used for ground fault detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing redundant ground lines and operational currents to perform self-diagnosis. The control module monitors its own ground connections by comparing resistance values through the multiple ground lines, eliminating the need for external detection circuits or additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical detection circuitry with computational analysis. Instead of using additional physical sensors or complex circuit boards, the system uses a processing device to calculate resistance values from voltage and current measurements, then compares these values to detect faults through algorithmic analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ground lines are monitored with detailed calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing multiple ground lines serve dual purposes: they provide redundant grounding for normal operation and simultaneously serve as sensing elements for fault detection. The same physical infrastructure used for electrical grounding is also used to measure resistance values, eliminating the need for separate measurement circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects faults by monitoring changes in resistance parameters rather than requiring complex waveforms or multiple measurement types. By focusing on resistance value comparisons between ground lines, the system achieves precise fault detection through simple parameter monitoring rather than complex multi-parameter analysis.
3Reliability
If ground fault detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring using existing ground lines during normal operation before faults develop. By continuously or periodically measuring resistance values through the redundant ground lines, the system can detect early signs of ground connection degradation before they become critical failures, enabling preventive maintenance.
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 earlier and more accurate detection of intermittent and permanent ground faults with fewer components, reducing system complexity and facilitating timely responses to prevent component damage.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a first resistance of the first ground line, and a second resistance of the second ground line based on the measured current and the measured voltage
Implementation Method 2
measuring a voltage through each of the first ground line and the second ground line
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting ground loss of an electrical component includes monitoring a ground circuit including a first ground line connected to the electrical component and a second ground line connected to the electrical component, where the monitoring includes measuring a current through each of the first ground line and the second ground line, and measuring a voltage through each of the first ground line and the second ground line. The method also includes calculating a first resistance of the first ground line and a second resistance of the second ground line based on the measured current and the measured voltage, estimating a difference between the first resistance and the second resistance, and comparing the estimated difference to a threshold difference, and based on the estimated difference being greater than the threshold difference, detecting a ground fault, and outputting an indication of the ground fault.