Surge Protector Voltage Diagnosis for MOV Deterioration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surge protectors in secondary batteries lack effective methods to predict the failure of metal oxide varistors, leading to potential unprotected exposure to surges due to undetected instability, with users unaware of impending failures.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic apparatus and method using a first and second switch to form closed circuits through a surge protector's poles, measuring diagnostic voltages across protection elements and resistors to detect changes indicative of deterioration, with a processor controlling switch operations and diagnosing based on voltage thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the surge protector uses a thermal disconnector module independent of the MOV, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the user cannot detect MOV failure in time leading to delayed protection response

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidprotection response timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the voltage across the MOV and comparing it to a reference voltage. When the MOV deteriorates, its voltage changes, which is detected by the measurement unit and processed by the processor to generate a diagnostic result, providing real-time feedback on MOV status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic circuit consisting of switches, measurement resistors, and voltage measurement units that mediate between the MOV and the user. This intermediary system allows indirect measurement of MOV status without requiring direct user interaction with the thermal disconnector module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the surge protector lacks a diagnostic function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot recognize impending MOV failure and remains unprotected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidMOV status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The surge protector performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring its own MOV status through integrated measurement units and processors. The system serves itself by detecting its own deterioration without requiring external diagnostic equipment or user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors parameter changes in the MOV, specifically voltage changes across the MOV. As the MOV deteriorates, its electrical parameters change, and these changes are detected and used to diagnose the MOV status, converting physical parameter changes into diagnostic information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the surge protector measures voltage continuously, then the detection precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMOV status detectionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement instead of continuous measurement. The processor controls switches to connect measurement resistors to the MOV at specific intervals, measuring voltage periodically to detect MOV status changes while minimizing energy consumption during non-measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 early detection of surge protector failures by monitoring voltage changes, ensuring timely protection against surges and preventing equipment damage.

Implementation Method 1

The SPD may protect a user's equipment from an external surge by flowing energy through a metal oxide varistor (MOV) if surge energy is introduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

measuring diagnostic voltages applied to the diagnostic resistor according to the opening and closing operations of the first switch and the second switch, and diagnose the surge protector based on the diagnostic voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20260036626A1Method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for diagnosing degree of deterioration of surge protector

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for diagnosing a surge protector connected to a battery includes a first switch configured to open and close a line that connects the first line to the second line by being directly connected to one end of each of the first line and the second line, a second switch configured to open and close a line that connects the second line to the third line by being directly connected to one end of each of the second line and the third line, and a processor configured to control opening/closing operations of the first switch and the second switch, measure a diagnostic voltage applied to the diagnostic resistor according to the opening/closing operation of the first switch and the second switch, and diagnose the surge protector based on the diagnostic voltage. A corresponding method and non-transitory computer-readable medium are also disclosed.