Multi-Processor Switch Control for Closed-State Fault Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch control systems in secondary battery power systems face challenges in maintaining switches in a closed state during system failures, which can lead to safety issues and increased circuit complexity.

Innovation Solution

A switch control apparatus and method that utilizes multiple processors and a diagnosing unit to output control signals, verification signals, and diagnosis signals to determine the controllability of switches, ensuring they remain closed by detecting signal flows and voltage measurements, and using a flip-flop, buffer, and gate units to manage switch states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple processors and diagnosing units are added to control switches, then switch controllability and system reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch controllabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into multiple independent processors (first processor, second processor) and a separate diagnosing unit. Each processor handles specific control tasks while the diagnosing unit independently monitors switch states, allowing distributed control that improves reliability without requiring a single complex control unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary diagnosis of switch controllability before actual control operations. The diagnosing unit checks whether switches are in a controllable state (closed or open) before executing control signals, preventing control failures and ensuring reliable operation in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 3:

A voltage measuring unit acts as an intermediary between the processors and switches, measuring voltages at control lines and providing this information to processors. This intermediary component enables indirect monitoring of switch states through voltage measurements, improving diagnostic capability without direct complex wiring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If switch control is maintained during system failure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnosing unit continuously monitors switch states and provides feedback to the processors. When a switch is found to be in an unexpected state (e.g., open when it should be closed), the system receives feedback and can take corrective actions or alert operators, maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential failures by having redundant processors and a dedicated diagnosing unit that can detect and respond to switch failures before they cause safety issues. The voltage measuring unit continuously monitors control line voltages to detect abnormal states early, providing a cushion against catastrophic failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3779482B1Switch control apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3779482B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3779482B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3779482B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a switch control apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an improved switch control apparatus and method, which may diagnose whether a plurality of switches are controllable and effectively control the plurality of switches. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively maintain the states of the switches through a plurality of processors.