Detachable Traction Voltage Measurement With HVIL Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no safe and simple method for a technician to measure traction voltage in an operating hybrid or all-electric vehicle without relying on vehicle-integrated software, and existing devices cannot be controlled before use, posing risks due to the lack of protection from hazardous voltages.
Innovation Solution
A detachable measuring device with resistors and connectivity to the Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) that allows safe measurement of traction voltage by connecting between the traction voltage system and a high voltage appliance, ensuring the system is deactivated upon detachment and providing protection from harmful currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanently mounted measuring device is used, then measurement capability is always available, but there is no way of controlling the device before use and unauthorized access cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device transitions from a static permanently mounted state to a dynamic detachable state, allowing it to be connected only when needed for measurement and disconnected when not in use, thereby enabling control before use while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary safety checks that must be completed before the measuring function becomes active, ensuring the device is properly controlled and configured before any measurement takes place
2Measurement precision
If vehicle integrated software is used for measurement, then measurement can be performed, but the method is complex and not directly accessible to technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring function is extracted from the complex vehicle integrated software system and embodied in a standalone portable measuring device, making measurement capability directly accessible to technicians without requiring software intermediaries
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is self-contained with all necessary measurement capabilities integrated into the device itself, allowing technicians to perform measurements directly without relying on vehicle software or external systems
3Reliability
If the measuring device is detachable, then unauthorized access can be prevented, but the device cannot be permanently mounted for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be detachable rather than permanently mounted, allowing it to be connected only when authorized measurement is required, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining the ability to perform measurements on demand
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 safe measurement of traction voltage during vehicle operation by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the technician's safety through the use of resistors and HVIL integration, allowing for accurate measurements without risking exposure to harmful voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second resistor arranged to connect each terminal, upon the measuring device being attached to the vehicle voltage traction system, to a first and second traction voltage conductor of the traction voltage system
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device (30) and method 100 are provided for enabling measuring of traction voltage being supplied by a traction voltage system (10) to a high voltage appliance (22) in a vehicle with the traction voltage system in operation, the measuring device (30) being configured to be detachably connected between the vehicle traction voltage system (10) and the high voltage appliance (22), the measuring device (30) comprising a first and second terminal (32a, 32b) configured to receive a first and second probe of a voltage measuring instrument a first and second resistor (34a, 34b) arranged to connect each terminal (32a, 32b), upon the measuring device (30) being attached to the vehicle voltage traction system (10), to a first and second traction voltage conductor (12a-d) of the traction voltage system (10) extending through the measuring device (30) wherein the measuring device (30) is configured to, upon the measuring device (30) being attached to the vehicle voltage traction system (10), connect to a Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) 18 of the vehicle extending through the measuring device (30) so that the HVIL (18) is broken when the measuring device (30) is detached from the traction voltage system (10), thereby inactivating the traction voltage system (10).