Relay Weld Diagnostic Device Using Current Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relay welding diagnostic techniques for electric vehicle charging circuits cannot determine if relays are welded without a functional voltage detection circuit.

Innovation Solution

A relay welding diagnostic apparatus that determines relay welding by setting threshold values based on resistance values and comparing peak voltage values, eliminating the need for a voltage detection circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage detection circuit is used to determine relay welding, then relay welding can be detected, but the system cannot determine relay welding when the voltage detection circuit is broken

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay welding detection reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage detection circuit dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using a current detector to measure current values instead of directly measuring voltage. This intermediary current measurement allows the system to determine relay welding status without relying on the voltage detection circuit, thereby maintaining reliability even when the voltage detection circuit is broken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the voltage detection circuit (electrical measurement system) with a current detection system. By substituting the measurement method from voltage-based to current-based, the system eliminates the dependency on the voltage detection circuit while maintaining the ability to detect relay welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If voltage detection circuit is used, then relay welding can be determined, but the system fails when voltage detection circuit is broken

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay welding detection accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from voltage to current. By measuring current values instead of voltage, the system maintains measurement precision for relay welding detection while improving reliability, as the current detection system remains functional even when the voltage detection circuit is broken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If threshold value is determined based on resistance values and peak voltage comparison is used, then relay welding can be determined without voltage detection circuit, but additional measurement components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis reliability without voltage detection circuitVSAvoidmeasurement components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the voltage detection circuit by using only the current detector and existing resistors. By taking out the voltage detection dependency and relying solely on current measurement combined with threshold comparison, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 determination of relay welding without relying on a voltage detection circuit, ensuring effective diagnosis even when the voltage detection circuit is broken.

Implementation Method 1

a signal output circuit that supplies a predetermined voltage to the voltage line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical voltage supply:

Implementation Method 2

a peak value measurement section that measures a peak value of the voltage supplied to the voltage line from the signal output circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage peak measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a comparison diagnosis section that determines a state of the relay by comparing the peak value with the threshold value, and determines whether the relay is welded on the basis of the state of the relay thus determined and a state set to the relay

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance comparison: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2833498B1Relay weld diagnostic device
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2833498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2833498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2833498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In relay weld diagnostic device, a threshold value determination unit (104) determines a threshold value on the basis of a resistance value that is set for each of a P-pole-side resistor (24) and an N-pole-side resistor (23) provided to charging equipment. A peak value measuring unit (110) measures the peak value of a voltage supplied to a voltage line by an alternating-current signal output circuit (112). A comparison diagnosis unit (111) assesses the state of a relay (14) on the P-pole side and a relay (15) on the N-pole side by comparing the peak value and the threshold value, and makes a diagnosis as to whether the relays (14), (15) are welded on the basis of the assessed state of the relays (14), (15) and the state in which the relays (14), (15) are controlled.