Storage Unit Connector System for Fault Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy storage unit connection systems face challenges in maintaining electrical continuity when a defective unit is disconnected, leading to a shutdown of the power supply device, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent the propagation of operating faults.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a wall with electrical connectors that can transition between two configurations, allowing adjacent storage units to remain connected to the power supply circuit while a faulty unit is disconnected, using a heat-sensitive actuator to induce movement and maintain electrical continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a faulty storage unit is disconnected from the power supply circuit, then the propagation of operating faults is prevented, but electrical continuity between storage units is lost and the power supply device shuts down
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent connector sets (first set and second set of connectors), allowing selective disconnection of faulty storage units while maintaining connection pathways for healthy units. Each connector set can be independently activated or deactivated based on the operational status of connected storage units.
Solution Approach 2:
The second set of connectors acts as an intermediary pathway that can bypass faulty storage units. When a storage unit is disconnected from the first connector set, the second connector set provides an alternative electrical pathway that maintains continuity between adjacent storage units and the power supply circuit.
2Productivity
If electrical connectors maintain continuous connection between storage units, then power supply continuity is maintained, but fault propagation from defective units occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static continuous connection to a dynamic reconfigurable connection. The connectors can switch between different connection states (first configuration and second configuration) based on the operational status of storage units, allowing the system to adaptively maintain continuity while isolating faults.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection parameters (connection state, conductivity pathway) are changed based on the operational status of storage units. The system transitions between different connection configurations to maintain optimal performance while preventing fault propagation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a magnetic lock connection system is used for storage units, then assembly is simplified, but the connectors cannot be quickly disconnected in case of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The purely mechanical magnetic lock connection system is replaced with a hybrid system that incorporates electromagnetic actuators. These actuators provide controlled electromagnetic forces to quickly override the magnetic lock and disconnect connectors, enabling rapid disconnection while maintaining simple magnetic lock-based assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses periodic or on-demand actuation of electromagnetic actuators to switch between connected and disconnected states. The actuators are activated only when needed (during normal assembly or fault isolation), maintaining simple magnetic lock connection during normal operation while enabling rapid disconnection when required.
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 continuous operation of the power supply device by isolating faulty units without disrupting electrical continuity to other units, preventing fault propagation and ensuring reliable power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-sensitive actuator to induce movement and maintain electrical continuity
Implementation Method 2
the connectors form an electrical circuit providing electrical continuity between the storage unit, at least one adjacent storage unit in a first position and the power supply circuit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for connecting at least one electrical energy storage unit (2) to a power supply circuit, characterized in that it comprises a set of electrical connectors (110, 111) having a first configuration in which, in a first position of the storage unit (2), the connectors (110) form an electrical circuit putting into electrical continuity the storage unit (2), at least one adjacent storage unit (2) and the power supply circuit, and a second configuration in which, in a second position of the storage unit (2), the connectors (111) form an electrical circuit putting into electrical continuity the at least one adjacent storage unit (2) and the power supply circuit, and in which the storage unit (2) is not electrically connected to the power supply circuit (41).