Vehicle Electronic Fuse Configuration for Peripheral Overcurrent Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic fuse systems lack the ability to dynamically configure and adapt to the specific needs of vehicle systems based on connected peripheral devices, leading to potential overcurrent issues and inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of smart fuses that can be configured based on signals from peripheral devices, using digital technology to integrate current and voltage thresholds, and communication protocols like CAN and LIN for real-time monitoring and control, enabling electrical isolation and dynamic power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fuses are used in vehicle systems, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the system lacks dynamic adaptability and cannot provide targeted protection for different peripheral devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic configuration capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fuse configuration changeable during operation. The electronic fuse controller can dynamically adjust current thresholds, voltage thresholds, and time delays based on real-time signals from peripheral devices via CAN/LIN buses, transforming a static protection device into an adaptive one that responds to actual system needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the fuse characteristics (current threshold, voltage threshold, time delay) to be modified through software configuration rather than physical replacement. This enables the same hardware to serve different protection needs by changing its operational parameters based on connected devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fixed threshold electronic fuses are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection precision and reliability for specific circuits are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit protection reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring signals from peripheral devices through communication buses and using this information to adjust fuse protection thresholds. The system receives feedback about device power requirements and operational status, then dynamically configures protection parameters to match actual circuit conditions, improving reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring fuse parameters based on expected device characteristics before potential faults occur. The system can be programmed with device-specific protection profiles in advance, so when a peripheral device is connected, the appropriate protection scheme is already in place, ensuring reliable protection from the start

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If custom fuse configurations are implemented for each peripheral device, then circuit protection precision is improved, but the system complexity and configuration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection threshold precisionVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional electronic fuse controller that can serve multiple peripheral devices with different protection requirements through a single configurable unit. The controller can be reprogrammed via communication buses to adapt to various device types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fuses and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If smart fuses with digital technology are integrated, then the functionality and intelligence of the fuse are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogrammable featuresVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the fuse protection function with digital communication capabilities in a single integrated controller. The electronic fuse controller incorporates CAN/LIN bus interfaces and processing logic, merging what could be separate components into one unified device that provides both protection and intelligence without requiring additional discrete components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240372355A1Methods and systems for configuring electronic fuses
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US20240372355A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372355A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372355A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for configuring electronic fuses based on peripheral devices connected to a vehicle system are provided. The methods detect a first peripheral device has been connected to the vehicle system, receive a plurality of signals from the first peripheral device connected to the vehicle system, and configure a first electronic fuse based on the plurality of signals from the first peripheral device. The first electronic fuse is configured to electrically isolate the first peripheral device from the vehicle system upon receiving a current overload.