Motor Vehicle Electric Consumer Fault Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection systems for electric consumers in motor vehicles are costly and inefficient, with high power dissipation and complex component control, failing to effectively detect all types of faults, particularly open load, without significant retrofitting or high current flow.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection arrangement using a voltage divider and intelligent switches to monitor the positions and current flow, allowing for cost-effective detection of various fault types, including open load, by maintaining low current flow and minimizing power dissipation, with a circuit design that can identify different fault conditions through voltage and current thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex detection circuits with multiple comparators and variable power sources are used to detect faults, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fault detection function from complex dedicated circuits and implements it using a simplified approach with a single comparator and microcontroller. The detection logic is separated into software algorithms rather than hardware circuits, reducing component count while maintaining detection capability for multiple fault types including open load, short circuit to ground, and short circuit to supply voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical approach of multiple physical comparators and switches with an electronic/software-based solution. A single comparator provides analog signal conditioning while the microcontroller implements the detection logic through software algorithms, eliminating the need for complex hardware interconnections and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If high current flow is used to detect faults in electric consumers, then fault detection sensitivity is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from high current to low current voltage measurement. By measuring voltage drops across the consumer with a single comparator and using microcontroller-based analysis, the system achieves fault detection sensitivity without requiring high test currents, thereby minimizing power dissipation during fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage divider network as an intermediary between the power supply and the comparator. This allows the system to sense voltage conditions and infer fault types without directly applying high current to the consumer, achieving indirect fault detection with minimal power consumption
3Measurement precision
If two-stage fault detection process with multiple algorithms is implemented, then fault identification accuracy is improved, but processing time and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic fault detection by having the microcontroller sequentially test different voltage conditions and analyze current flow characteristics in discrete time intervals. The system periodically switches between different measurement modes and evaluates fault conditions based on accumulated data, achieving accurate fault identification through time-multiplexed measurement sequences rather than simultaneous multi-stage testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection algorithm in the microcontroller that can identify multiple fault types (open load, short circuit to ground, short circuit to supply voltage) using a single integrated detection routine. This multi-functional software approach replaces multiple dedicated detection algorithms, reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different fault conditions through unified analysis logic
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
The solution enables efficient and cost-effective detection of multiple fault types in electric consumers, reducing power loss and component complexity, while maintaining the electric consumer in an idle state during fault detection, thus enhancing safety and reliability without the need for extensive retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider for tapping a third electric potential is arranged parallel to the second switch
Data Source
AI summary
Fault detection of electric consumers in motor vehicles including at least one electric consumer switchably arranged between a first electric potential and a second electric potential. The electric consumer is switchably connected both to the first and to the second potential. A first switch is arranged between the first potential and the consumer and a second switch is arranged between the second potential and the consumer. The first and the second switch must be closed at the same time in order to operate the consumer. Fault detection is carried out when the device consuming the electricity is visibly off, in that a third electric potential is tapped at a voltage divider arranged parallel to the second switch. Fault detection is carried out by monitoring the third electric potential and the positions of the first and second switches.