Start/Stop Unit Ground Fault Diagnosis via Switchable Resistor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing start/stop units in motor vehicles cannot reliably distinguish between a driver's instruction to start or stop the motor and a short-circuit to ground, leading to potential malfunctions and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a switchable ground connected to the start/stop device, where the ground output is temporarily switched between the vehicle's ground and a ground resistor during a start/stop instruction, allowing the reading circuit to differentiate between a legitimate instruction and a short-circuit by comparing signal values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional start/stop unit is used with a reading circuit, then the start/stop function is achieved, but the system cannot distinguish between a legitimate start/stop instruction and a short-circuit to ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the ground connection dynamic rather than static. A switchable ground element (20) is introduced that can alternate between two positions: first position connected to vehicle ground, and second position connected to a ground resistor (RM). This dynamic switching allows the reading circuit to compare signal values under different ground conditions, enabling reliable distinction between legitimate start/stop instructions and short-circuits to ground.
2Reliability
If a switchable ground with ground resistor is added to diagnose short-circuits, then short-circuit detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a ground resistor (RM) as a mediator element. This resistor serves as an intermediate component that creates a distinguishable electrical condition when the switchable ground element connects to it in the second position. The ground resistor acts as a mediator that transforms the undetectable short-circuit condition into a detectable signal difference, allowing the reading circuit to identify faults without requiring complex diagnostic equipment.
3Reliability
If the ground is switched to a ground resistor for diagnosis, then short-circuit detection is enabled, but additional components and cost are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing the switchable ground element (20) to serve multiple functions. The same switchable ground mechanism is used both for the primary start/stop control function and for the diagnostic function. During normal operation, the ground element provides the necessary ground connection for the start/stop unit. During diagnostic phases, it switches to the second position to enable short-circuit detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate diagnostic equipment, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for diagnosing a ground fault of a start/stop unit of a motor vehicle and a start/stop system implementing the method. The method comprises, in a preliminary phase, providing a driver device with a ground that can be switched between two positions and connecting a ground output of a start/stop device to the switchable ground. When the vehicle is in operation, at the time of a start/stop instruction: reading a first value of the signal at the input of the reading circuit, then temporarily switching the switchable ground from a first position connected to a ground of the vehicle to a second position connected to a ground resistor; reading a second value of the signal received by the reading circuit when the ground is switched to the ground resistor, and comparing the two read values in order to diagnose a short-circuit to ground fault of the start/stop unit.