Relay State Detection Circuit for Electric Vehicle Battery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicle battery systems, existing technologies lack an effective method to detect whether relays are welded, which can prevent the disconnection of the battery from the load, leading to potential overvoltage or overcurrent issues and power supply disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a voltage outputter and a controller that differentiate voltage values for each state of relays connected to the battery, using operational amplifiers and resistances to determine if relays are welded by comparing output voltages to predetermined reference information, allowing for accurate relay state detection and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no relay state detection method is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply control deteriorates due to inability to detect welded relays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection circuit as an intermediary component between the relay and controller. This circuit includes an operational amplifier configured to generate different voltage outputs based on the relay state (normal vs. welded), enabling indirect detection of relay conditions without requiring complex monitoring hardware. The intermediary circuit translates physical relay states into detectable voltage signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in voltage output to indicate relay state. The detection circuit changes its output voltage parameter based on the relay condition - outputting a first voltage when the relay is normal and a second voltage when welded. This parameter-based detection method allows simple voltage comparison to determine relay state, avoiding complex monitoring systems.
2Measurement precision
If a complex relay monitoring system is implemented, then the measurement precision of relay state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit serves as an intermediary that simplifies measurement by converting relay state into voltage signals. The operational amplifier and resistor network create a circuit that automatically produces distinct voltage levels for different relay states, enabling precise measurement through simple voltage comparison rather than complex monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic relay monitoring systems with an electrical voltage-based detection method. By substituting physical relay state observation with voltage measurement, the system achieves precise detection while maintaining simplicity. The operational amplifier circuit substitutes complex monitoring mechanics with straightforward electrical parameter comparison.
3Ease of operation
If voltage-based relay detection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to circuit component specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of voltage differentiation, making the system easy to operate. The operational amplifier and resistor network automatically generate distinct voltage outputs for different relay states, requiring only simple voltage comparison by the controller. This intermediary handles the precision requirements internally while presenting a simple interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in voltage output to indicate relay state, making operation simple. The detection circuit changes its output voltage parameter based on relay condition, allowing the controller to determine relay state through straightforward voltage comparison. This parameter-based approach simplifies operation while the circuit design ensures sufficient voltage differentiation to meet manufacturing tolerances.
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 reliable detection of welded relays, preventing power supply disruptions and ensuring safe operation by accurately determining relay states and controlling their connections, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of electric vehicle battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage outputter configured to output a voltage having a different voltage value for each state of each of a plurality of relays
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of resistances connected to an inverting terminal and a non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting a state of a relay includes a voltage outputter configured to output a voltage having a different voltage value for each state of each of a plurality of relays configured to switch a connection between a battery and a load, and a controller configured to determine whether each of the plurality of relays is welded based on the voltage output from the voltage outputter.