Relay Circuit Current Monitoring for Multi-Relay Failure Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the operation status of multiple relay circuits in an energy storage system require a large number of ports, complicating the circuit configuration and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses a microcomputer to output relay control signals, a current application/detection circuit to apply and detect current, and a comparator to convert current levels to voltage, allowing for rapid monitoring of relay circuit status by comparing detected and calculated currents within a specified error range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage level comparison method is used to check relay operation status, then relay failure detection is enabled, but the number of ports required increases with the number of relays, complicating circuit configuration and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple relay monitoring functions into a single shared circuit. Instead of having separate voltage comparison circuits for each relay, the invention uses one current application/detection circuit that can sequentially monitor multiple relays by applying current and detecting the total current draw, which reflects the operational state of all relays collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The current application/detection circuit serves multiple functions: it applies test current to relay coils, detects the resulting current draw to determine relay status, and works for all relays in the system. This universal circuit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized monitoring circuits, one for each relay.
2Reliability
If voltage level comparison method is used to check relay operation status, then relay failure detection is enabled, but the number of ports required increases with the number of relays, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple relay monitoring functions into a single shared circuit. Instead of having separate voltage comparison circuits for each relay, the invention uses one current application/detection circuit that can sequentially monitor multiple relays by applying current and detecting the total current draw, which reflects the operational state of all relays collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The current application/detection circuit serves multiple functions: it applies test current to relay coils, detects the resulting current draw to determine relay status, and works for all relays in the system. This universal circuit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized monitoring circuits, one for each relay.
3Measurement precision
If individual relay monitoring is implemented using conventional methods, then each relay status can be checked, but the circuit configuration becomes complex and requires many ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces current as an intermediary measurement parameter. Instead of directly measuring voltage at each relay terminal (which would require multiple ports), the system measures the current drawn by the relay coils through a shared detection circuit. This current measurement serves as an indirect but accurate indicator of relay operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple relay monitoring functions into a single shared circuit. Instead of having separate voltage comparison circuits for each relay, the invention uses one current application/detection circuit that can sequentially monitor multiple relays by applying current and detecting the total current draw, which reflects the operational state of all relays collectively.
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 rapid monitoring of relay circuit operation status and simplifies the circuit configuration by reducing the need for multiple ports, thereby lowering costs and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a current application/detection circuit configured to apply a current to each of the plurality of relay circuits that are turned on by the relay control signals output from the microcomputer, and to detect and convert a total current applied to the plurality of relay circuits turned on, to a voltage level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(g)
Figure 3(a)~3(e)
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring a status of a relay circuit includes a plurality of relay circuits configured to apply driving power to a plurality of battery management devices, a microcomputer configured to output relay control signals for turning on/off the relay circuits, and a current application/detection circuit configured to apply a current to each of the relay circuits that are turned on by the relay control signals output from the microcomputer, and to convert and detect a total current applied to the turned-on relay circuits to a voltage level, wherein the microcomputer compares a current detected through the current application/detection circuit while selectively turning on/off the relay circuits and a current calculated corresponding to the number of relay circuits to which relay-on signals have been output up to a current point, and determines an operation status of the relay circuits according to whether the currents are equal within a specified error range.