Relay Device Open-Circuit Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power supply systems lack accurate detection and protection mechanisms for open-circuit failures between storage batteries and loads, leading to instability and potential power loss.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with multiple relay units, current detection units, and voltage detection units that switch states based on current and voltage thresholds to maintain power supply and detect abnormalities, ensuring continued power delivery through alternative paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple relay units and detection units are added to detect open-circuit failures, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply network into multiple conduction paths (first conduction path with first relay unit, second conduction path with second relay unit), each equipped with its own current detection unit and voltage detection unit. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of each path, enabling precise detection of open-circuit failures in specific paths without requiring complex centralized monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives detection signals from multiple current detection units and voltage detection units, processes this information, and controls the relay units accordingly. This intermediary component coordinates the complex interactions between multiple sensors and actuators, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high detection precision.
2Reliability
If relay units are switched to OFF state to protect the load, then reliability is improved, but power supply continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The relay units are designed to dynamically switch between ON and OFF states based on real-time detection of current and voltage parameters. When an open-circuit failure is detected in one conduction path, the control unit switches the corresponding relay unit to OFF state to isolate the fault, while maintaining ON state for healthy paths, thus providing adaptive protection while preserving power supply continuity through alternative paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of abnormal conditions (current below threshold, voltage below threshold) before complete power loss occurs. By detecting these preliminary signs of open-circuit failures and switching relay units to OFF state in advance, the system prevents catastrophic failures and maintains reliable operation of the load through timely protective action.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device wherein power can be supplied to a load from at least two power storage units and can detect when an abnormality such as an open-circuit failure occurs in a path of one of the power storage units, accurately. A control unit in a relay device functions as a switching control unit, if the current value becomes lower than a current threshold value in a first conduction path and a second conduction path, the control device switches a relay unit to an OFF state. Furthermore, the control unit functions as a determination unit and determines whether, if it switches one of the relay units to the OFF state, a voltage value detected by a voltage detection unit provided in the path in which the relay unit that was switched to the OFF state is lower than a predetermined voltage threshold value.