Power Relay State Determination via Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eco-friendly vehicles face challenges in quickly determining abnormalities in the power relay assembly, which can lead to issues with electric power supply due to high temperatures and overcurrents, necessitating a reliable method for state determination to ensure safe driving.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power relay assembly, a relay controller, a battery management system, and a voltage sensor that determines the electrical connection states and outputs signals based on sensed voltages to identify abnormal conditions, including disconnection, short-circuiting, and normal operation, with additional features like semiconductor switching elements for arc suppression and charge control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power relay assembly is used to control electrical connection in eco-friendly vehicles, then the electrical power supply can be controlled between battery and motor, but abnormalities may occur due to high temperature and overcurrent damage to relays
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor performs preliminary detection of voltage at the input-output ports before abnormality occurs. The system proactively monitors the electrical connection state and detects potential issues with the relays or semiconductor switching elements before they cause complete failure, allowing preventive action to be taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors voltage levels and provides feedback about the electrical connection state. When an abnormal voltage pattern is detected (indicating relay failure or semiconductor element damage), the system generates an abnormality signal that feeds back to the control system, enabling real-time response to maintain power supply reliability.
2Productivity
If traditional relay control is used without state determination system, then the device complexity is low, but the time to detect abnormalities is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the power relay assembly and the control system. This intermediary element specifically detects voltage conditions and translates them into actionable information, enabling fast abnormality detection without requiring complex monitoring of multiple parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual inspection methods with electrical voltage sensing. Instead of physically checking relay contacts or using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, the invention uses simple voltage measurement to determine the operational state of relays and semiconductor elements, achieving fast detection with minimal complexity.
3Reliability
If semiconductor switching elements are added to reduce arc, then the reliability of relay operation is improved, but the vulnerability to reverse voltage damage during charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor performs preliminary detection of reverse voltage conditions before they can damage the semiconductor switching elements. During charging operations, the system proactively monitors for abnormal voltage patterns that indicate reverse voltage, allowing the control system to take preventive action before damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about the voltage state during charging operations. When reverse voltage is detected, the feedback mechanism immediately signals the control system to adjust the charging process or protect the semiconductor elements, creating a closed-loop protection system that maintains reliability while enabling the use of semiconductor switching elements.
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 quick identification and action against abnormalities, preventing larger issues by subdividing and diagnosing relay problems, and protecting semiconductor switching elements from reverse voltage damage during charging.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage of the first input-output port and outputting a state signal indicating a state of the power relay assembly, based on the sensing voltage of the first input-output port and the control signal output from the relay controller
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a state of a power relay assembly includes: a power relay assembly for determining electrical connection states of first and second input-output ports; a relay controller outputting a control signal; a battery management system for determining a connection state of the relay and directing a connection state adjustment of the relay; and a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage of the first input-output port and outputting a state signal. By determining the state of the power relay assembly, it is possible to take quick action against trouble by subdividing and distinguishing a type of abnormality of the power relay assembly, and to prevent a larger problem from occurring by diagnosing relay abnormality in advance and quickly taking a fail safe operation.