Vehicle Wiring Prognostics via Frequency Domain Current Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for vehicle wiring and connections are inadequate as they require additional hardware, are susceptible to electrical noise, and cannot proactively detect degrading performance or automatically switch to backup systems, leading to safety concerns and increased costs due to the need for redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A wiring prognostics system that uses frequency domain analysis of the rate of change of current characteristics to characterize impedance and detect degrading performance of wires and connections, allowing for proactive identification of issues and automatic switching to backup systems without additional equipment, using active switches that can control and disconnect subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency domain analysis of current characteristics is used to detect wiring degradation, then measurement precision and noise immunity are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for advanced signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional time-domain measurement methods with frequency-domain analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms. This substitution transforms the measurement approach from direct temporal observation to spectral analysis, enabling superior noise immunity and detection precision by converting the measurement domain rather than adding complex hardware filtering mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that transforms raw current signals through FFT computation before analysis. This intermediary transformation step converts complex noisy time-domain signals into cleaner frequency-domain representations, making degradation detection more precise while centralizing the computational complexity in a manageable processing stage
2Reliability
If proactive detection of wiring degradation is implemented, then safety and reliability are improved, but loss of time increases due to additional monitoring and analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of healthy wiring current signatures during normal operation and stores them as reference profiles. When degradation is suspected, the system compares real-time measurements against these pre-established baselines, enabling rapid detection without requiring complex real-time analysis from scratch, thus maintaining high reliability while minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where degradation detection triggers automatic feedback loops that can isolate affected subsystems, activate backups, or alert operators. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that once degradation is detected, immediate corrective actions are taken, maintaining system reliability while the automated response minimizes the time impact on operations
3Device complexity
If redundancy is reduced by using proactive detection, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but reliability worsens due to fewer backup systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by proactively detecting wiring degradation trends before they cause complete system failure. By identifying degradation early through frequency-domain analysis of current characteristics, the system can take preventive actions such as isolating at-risk subsystems or activating backups only when necessary, rather than relying on constant redundant systems. This approach reduces overall redundancy complexity while maintaining reliability through targeted protective measures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to self-monitor and self-diagnose wiring conditions continuously during operation. The proactive detection capability allows the system to identify and respond to degradation autonomously, reducing the need for external monitoring equipment and extensive redundant backup systems. The system essentially services its own health monitoring needs, lowering complexity while preserving reliability through intelligent self-management
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 system effectively detects wiring and connection degradation, reduces the need for redundancy, improves safety by enabling proactive issue detection and automatic mitigation, and enhances system reliability by characterizing impedance with high resolution and noise immunity.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a variation in a rate of change of current characteristic in frequency domain for a current loop including one of the switches, one of the subsystems, and a plurality of the wires
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes a battery of the vehicle, a plurality of switches connected to the battery, and a plurality of subsystems of the vehicle connected to the battery via the switches and wires. The system includes a controller configured to control the switches and the subsystems, and to identify a variation in a rate of change of current characteristic in frequency domain for a current loop including one of the switches, one of the subsystems, and a plurality of the wires. The controller is configured to determine integrity of the plurality of the wires and connections of the wires in the current loop based on the variation in the rate of change of current characteristic for the current loop.