Voltage Measuring Device with Merged Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage measuring devices for hybrid vehicles require multiple isolation devices for each block of a high voltage battery, increasing the number of parts, cost, and packaging size due to the need for different ground levels for awakening signals.
Innovation Solution
A voltage measuring device with semiconductor switches, including an npn transistor or n-type field-effect transistor as the first switch and pnp transistor or p-type field-effect transistor as the second switch, to output a high-level awakening signal isolated from the control member, allowing for reduced parts and cost by eliminating the need for separate isolation devices at each block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation devices are provided for each block to output awakening signals with different ground levels, then the awakening signals can be properly isolated and transmitted to each voltage measuring member, but the number of parts increases, leading to increased cost and packaging size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the isolation function into a single isolation device that serves all blocks, rather than providing separate isolation devices for each block. This is achieved by having the single isolation device output isolated high-level awakening signals that are distributed to all voltage measuring members through the battery management system's communication network, thereby reducing the total number of isolation devices from n (one per block) to 1 (shared by all blocks).
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolation device is designed to serve multiple functions: it isolates awakening signals for all blocks simultaneously and provides a universal interface between the low-voltage control member and high-voltage measuring members. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace multiple dedicated isolation devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining proper signal isolation for each block.
2Reliability
If multiple isolation devices are used for each block, then proper signal isolation is achieved, but the packaging size of the voltage measuring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolation functions into a single physical device, significantly reducing the overall packaging volume. Instead of having n separate isolation devices occupying space in the battery management system, a single isolation device performs the isolation function for all blocks, thereby minimizing the packaging size while maintaining signal isolation integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolation device is designed with universal functionality to handle awakening signals for all blocks through a standardized interface. This universal design allows the device to be compact while still providing the necessary isolation for multiple blocks, as it does not require separate dedicated isolation circuits for each block that would increase packaging size.
3Reliability
If separate isolation devices are provided for each block, then awakening signals can be properly transmitted, but the cost of the voltage measuring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the purchase, installation, and maintenance costs of multiple isolation devices into a single device, directly reducing the bill of materials cost. The single isolation device performs the same critical function of signal isolation for all blocks, allowing the system to achieve the same reliability at a lower component cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal isolation device design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and procurement. Instead of buying n separate isolation devices, the system purchases one multi-functional isolation device, reducing per-unit costs and simplifying the supply chain while maintaining the necessary signal isolation capabilities for all blocks.
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 reduces the number of parts and cost by enabling the output of awakening signals with different ground levels without additional isolation devices, thereby minimizing the packaging size of the voltage measuring device.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation device to output a high level awakening signal isolated from the control member corresponding to the awakening signal from the control member
Implementation Method 2
a first semiconductor switch having a first control terminal to which the high level awakening signal is inputted from the isolation device, a first terminal connected to an anode of the assembled battery, and a second terminal connected to a cathode of the assembled battery, a junction between said first and second terminals conducting when the high level awakening signal is inputted to the first control terminal
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of second semiconductor switches provided corresponding to the blocks, wherein the second semiconductor switch has a second control terminal connected to the first terminal of the first semiconductor switch, a third terminal connected to an anode of the corresponding block, and a fourth terminal connected to the awakening terminal, a junction between said third and fourth terminals conducting when the second control terminal is connected to the cathode of the assembled battery
Data Source
AI summary
A base of a pnp transistor Tr1 is connected to an isolation device D1, an emitter thereof is connected to a cathode of a high voltage battery BH, and a collector thereof is connected to an anode of the high voltage battery BH. Npn transistors Tr21 to Tr2n are provided respectively to blocks B1 to Bn. Bases of the npn transistors Tr21 to Tr2n are connected to the collector of the transistor Tr1, emitters thereof are connected to anodes of corresponding blocks B1 to Bn, and collectors are connected to awakening terminals of high voltage measuring circuits 11 to 1n.