Vehicle Voltage Dissipation via Impact-Triggered Contactor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric or hybrid electric vehicles, existing systems fail to effectively dissipate voltage in electrical circuits during vehicle impact situations, potentially leading to energy inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a power system with a voltage source and contactor, an inverter with a capacitor, and a vehicle impact detection system, which disconnects the voltage source upon impact detection and gradually discharges the capacitor through an electrical machine and resistor to manage energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the voltage source remains connected during vehicle impact, then the electrical circuit remains operational, but energy is wasted and safety risks increase due to undissipated voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting vehicle impact conditions and proactively disconnecting the voltage source before the capacitor can discharge through the electrical machine. This prevents both energy wastage and potential safety hazards by preparing the system in advance for the impact event
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor is used to extract and isolate the voltage source from the electrical circuit upon impact detection. This separation removes the harmful voltage from the system, preventing energy wastage and eliminating safety risks associated with undissipated voltage during impact events
2Speed
If the capacitor is discharged rapidly through the electrical machine, then voltage dissipation is faster, but the electrical machine may be damaged or overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge rate of the capacitor based on real-time conditions. Initially, the capacitor discharges rapidly through the electrical machine to quickly reduce voltage, then transitions to a slower discharge phase to protect the electrical machine from overload damage
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge process occurs in distinct phases or periods: an initial rapid discharge phase followed by a slower discharge phase. This periodic action allows the system to achieve fast voltage dissipation when safe, then protect the electrical machine during the remaining discharge period
3Ease of operation
If the contactor remains closed to maintain circuit continuity, then electrical operations can proceed, but voltage cannot be safely dissipated during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor extracts the voltage source from the electrical circuit upon impact detection, physically separating it to enable safe voltage dissipation. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the voltage source that prevents safe dissipation while maintaining the ability to restore circuit continuity when needed
4Reliability
If the voltage source is disconnected immediately upon impact detection, then safety is improved, but ongoing electrical operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by disconnecting the voltage source in anticipation of potential harm during impact. This protective action prioritizes safety over operational continuity, preventing harmful effects while accepting temporary interruption of electrical operations
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
This solution ensures safe and efficient voltage dissipation in vehicle electrical circuits during impacts, preventing energy wastage and ensuring operational safety by controlling the discharge rates and timing.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter electrically coupled to the power system and including a device for storing an electrical charge
Implementation Method 2
an electrical machine adapted to drive a vehicle traction wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for dissipating voltage in an electrical circuit of a vehicle. The system includes a power source and an inverter. The power source has a voltage source and a contactor. The inverter is electrically coupled to the power source and includes a device for storing an electrical charge. The contactor is opened to disconnect the voltage source before the device is discharged.