Self-Powered Pyrotechnic Fuse Using Temperature-Sensor Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known pyrotechnic fuse systems in motor vehicles, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, rely on internal batteries to power their control electronics, leading to unavoidable maintenance interventions due to the limited shelf life of these batteries.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered pyrotechnic fuse system utilizing a temperature sensor, such as a thermo-electric generator, to detect temperature values and power the control circuit, eliminating the need for internal batteries by leveraging existing vehicle components like onboard thermo-electric generators or high power heaters, with optional backup from a rechargeable battery and a DC-DC converter to adjust voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal battery is used to power control electronics in pyrotechnic fuse systems, then the system can operate reliably, but maintenance interventions become unavoidable due to limited battery shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the internal battery from the pyrotechnic fuse system, extracting the power source that causes maintenance issues. The control electronics are instead powered by borrowing power from the vehicle's existing powertrain through a power theft circuit, eliminating the component that requires replacement while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the vehicle's existing powertrain and power management infrastructure to power the pyrotechnic fuse control electronics. By using the vehicle's universal power supply system instead of a dedicated battery, the patent eliminates the need for separate battery maintenance while maintaining operational reliability.
2Ease of repair
If a temperature sensor is used to detect temperature values and power the control circuit, then maintenance interventions are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function and power generation function into a single thermoelectric generator component. This merged device detects temperature values for pyrotechnic fuse activation while simultaneously generating electrical power for the control circuit, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator is positioned to utilize temperature differences that naturally occur in the power conductor during normal vehicle operation. The system harvests waste thermal energy from the conductor to power itself, making the pyrotechnic fuse system self-powered and eliminating the need for separate battery maintenance.
3Device complexity
If an onboard thermo-electric generator is used for both temperature detection and power supply, then device simplicity is improved, but the existing vehicle component must be dual-purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts an existing onboard thermo-electric generator (such as one from a high-power heater system) to perform dual functions: temperature detection for pyrotechnic fuse activation and electrical power generation for control circuit operation. This leverages the vehicle's existing multi-functional capability while simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The system reduces or eliminates maintenance interventions by using a self-powered temperature sensor to trigger the pyro switch at a preset threshold, ensuring reliable operation without the need for battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor is a thermo-electric generator
Data Source
AI summary
A pyrotechnic fuse system suitable to be installed onboard a motor vehicle, including: a pyro switch suitable to be triggered for interrupting flow of power along an associated conductor of the motor vehicle; a control circuit for controlling at least the pyro switch; and a temperature sensor which detects one or more temperature values along the conductor and provides the control circuit with corresponding one or input signals indicative each of the one or more temperature values detected. The temperature sensor powers at least the control circuit via said one or more input signals.