Relay Fusion Detection via Inverter Voltage Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent immobilization of high voltage relay contact points in eco-friendly vehicles due to fusion issues during ignition engagement or disengagement poses a challenge in accurately detecting relay fusion, which affects the reliability of power supply and interruption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that analyze the inverter voltage to determine relay fusion by measuring voltage variations during ignition on and off cycles, using a pre-charge relay and a second relay adjustment process to identify fusion status, thereby minimizing mechanical noise and erroneous characterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If high voltage relay contact points are frequently engaged and disengaged during ignition cycles, then power supply control is improved, but relay fusion occurs causing contact point immobilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply controlVSAvoidrelay contact point mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary diagnostic test by temporarily actuating the relay before normal operation to detect potential fusion issues early, preventing future immobilization while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If relay fusion detection is performed during ignition engagement or disengagement, then detection accuracy is improved, but mechanical noise and erroneous characterization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay fusion detection accuracyVSAvoidmechanical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a diagnostic relay as an intermediary component that can be actuated independently of the main high voltage relay, allowing fusion detection without subjecting the primary relay to additional mechanical stress during the testing phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If inverter voltage is analyzed to determine relay fusion status, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay fusion detection capabilityVSAvoidvoltage analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing inverter voltage measurement system is utilized for relay fusion detection purposes, allowing the system to perform diagnostic functions using already-available sensor data without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Accurate detection of relay fusion during ignition engagement and disengagement, ensuring stable power supply and reducing mechanical noise, thus enhancing the reliability of high voltage battery operation.

Implementation Method 1

analyze the inverter voltage to determine relay fusion by measuring voltage variations during ignition on and off cycles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3147680B1System and method for detecting fusion of relay of battery
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3147680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3147680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for detecting a fusion of a relay of a battery is provided. The method includes detecting the fusion of the relay during disengagement of an ignition of a vehicle and determining the fusion status of the relay during engagement of the ignition of the vehicle. The method includes adjusting a first relay to an off position, after disengaging an ignition, and determining whether the fusion status of first relay based on measuring a voltage of an interval between the adjusting the first relay to an off position and adjusting a second relay to an off position. Then the second relay may be adjusted to the off position.