Vehicular Electrical System Voltage Transient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting electrical faults in vehicle systems are inadequate as they do not accurately identify the faulty component or the reason for the fault, relying solely on turning electrical loads on and off for verification.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a computer connected to the electrical system to store and compare normal voltage transients with sensed voltage transients, determining abnormal conditions by analyzing deviations and alerting the user, while also calculating the length of the conductive path to identify the faulty component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple on/off testing of electrical loads is used during assembly, then the testing process is fast and easy, but the method cannot identify the particular faulted component or the reason for the fault
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical on/off testing with an electronic transient signal analysis system. The computer sends transient electrical signals through the electrical system and analyzes the voltage responses to identify faults, substituting manual testing with automated electronic measurement and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transient voltage signals as an intermediary medium to detect faults. Instead of directly testing components, the system uses transient signals as a probe that interacts with the electrical system, and the response to these signals reveals the presence and location of faults.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive fault detection methods are implemented, then fault identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the computer and transient signal generation system multi-functional. The same system used for normal electrical system operation also performs fault detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical system is made self-diagnostic by using its own operational transients as the detection mechanism. The system monitors its own voltage responses during normal operation to identify faults, eliminating the need for external complex testing equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining an abnormal condition in an electrical system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data relating to normal voltage transients. The apparatus also includes a computer electrically connectable to the electrical system and in communication with the memory. The computer is configured to sense voltage transients that occur in the electrical system of the vehicle, compare the sensed voltage transients to the stored normal voltage transients, and determine if the sensed voltage transient indicates an abnormal condition in the electrical system of the vehicle.