Vehicle Electrical Fault Detection via Current Transient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical fault detection techniques for motor vehicles are rudimentary and fail to reveal hidden issues such as loose connectors or strained wiring, leading to potential operational problems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a current sensor and controller to detect current transients between a battery and electrical loads, comparing sensed currents to predetermined transients to identify faults and signal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic visual testing is used to verify electrical load operation, then the testing process is simple and quick, but hidden electrical problems such as loose connectors and strained wiring cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrical measurement system that uses a current sensor and controller to detect current transients. This substitution of mechanical/manual testing with electronic sensing enables precise detection of hidden electrical problems without requiring complex disassembly or manual examination of connectors and wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current sensor as an intermediary device between the power source and electrical loads. This intermediary component measures current flow and provides data to the controller, enabling indirect detection of electrical faults through current transient analysis without requiring direct physical inspection of connectors and wiring.
2Reliability
If basic visual testing is used to verify electrical load operation, then the testing equipment is simple, but future problems such as loads nearing end of life cannot be revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of electrical faults by analyzing current transients before loads fail. The system proactively identifies issues such as loose connectors, strained wiring, and loads nearing end of life by comparing measured current characteristics against expected patterns, enabling preventive maintenance before actual failures occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects electrical faults by monitoring changes in current transient parameters such as magnitude, duration, and shape. The controller compares these dynamic electrical parameters against predetermined reference values to identify deviations indicating potential problems, transforming static visual inspection into dynamic electrical characteristic analysis.
3Measurement precision
If current transient detection is implemented to detect hidden electrical problems, then fault detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the current sensor and controller serve multiple functions: measuring current flow, detecting current transients, comparing measurements against reference values, and generating fault indications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
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
Effectively detects electrical faults before they cause load failures, preventing damage and improving maintenance efficiency by identifying issues before they become critical.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor disposed between a battery and at least one electrical load. The current sensor is capable of sensing electrical current flowing from the battery to the load at a sensitivity sufficient to detect a current transient
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for sensing electrical faults. The system includes a current sensor disposed between a battery and at least one electrical load. The current sensor is capable of sensing electrical current flowing from the battery to the load at a sensitivity sufficient to detect a current transient. The system also includes a controller in communication with the current sensor. The controller is capable of comparing the sensed current transient to a predetermined current transient for the load and signaling a fault when the sensed current transient and the predetermined current transient vary by a predetermined amount.