Sensing feature on fuse element for detection prior to fuse open
First Claim
1. A sensing circuit signally cooperative with at least one battery cell within a battery pack, the circuit comprising:
- at least one fuse comprising a main element and a sensing element the latter of which defines a pre-open detection capability through at least one of (a) a material that is dissimilar from a material that defines the main element and (b) a dissimilar geometric profile from that of the main element such that a fusing event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element;
an electrical conductor connected to the fuse such that upon receipt of an electrical signal from the at least one battery cell or an electronic module cooperative therewith, the sensing circuit provides indicia of the fusing event through opening of the sensing element prior in time to opening the main element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensing circuit, a vehicular battery pack using a sensing circuit, a method of protecting a circuit with a fuse and a method of providing battery power to a vehicle. The sensing circuit includes the fuse, which is made up of a main element and a sensing element such that the sensing element defines a pre-open detection capability through at least one of a dissimilar geometric profile or a different material choice from that of the main element. The sensing circuit also includes an electrical connector between one or more battery cells and an electronic control module so that the circuit provides indicia of the fusing event. In this way, a fuse opening event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element in such a way as to give the operator of a battery-powered vehicle advance warning of an impending opening of the main element and consequent electrical circuit shutdown, thereby allowing the operator of the vehicle to take corrective measures as a way to avoid fuse opening and a related loss of vehicular propulsive power.
31 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A sensing circuit signally cooperative with at least one battery cell within a battery pack, the circuit comprising:
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at least one fuse comprising a main element and a sensing element the latter of which defines a pre-open detection capability through at least one of (a) a material that is dissimilar from a material that defines the main element and (b) a dissimilar geometric profile from that of the main element such that a fusing event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element; an electrical conductor connected to the fuse such that upon receipt of an electrical signal from the at least one battery cell or an electronic module cooperative therewith, the sensing circuit provides indicia of the fusing event through opening of the sensing element prior in time to opening the main element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A battery pack configured to provide propulsive power to a vehicle, the battery pack comprising:
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a plurality of battery cells aligned along a stacking axis to define a facing relationship thereby; a housing configured to contain the plurality of cells therein; at least one electronic control unit cooperative with at least one of the battery cells; and a plurality of sensing circuits signally cooperative with at least one of the battery cells, the circuit comprising; at least one fuse comprising a main element and a sensing element the latter of which defines a pre-open detection capability through at least one of (a) a material that is dissimilar from a material that defines the main element and (b) a dissimilar geometric profile from that of the main element such that a fusing event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element; an electrical conductor connected to the fuse such that upon receipt of an electrical signal from the at least one battery cell or the electronic control unit, the sensing circuit provides indicia of the fusing event through opening of the sensing element prior in time to opening of the main element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of making a fuse, the method comprising:
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providing a main element of the fuse; providing a sensing element of the fuse; and connecting the sensing element to the main element, the sensing element cooperative with the main element such that a fusing event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element through at least one of (a) a material that is dissimilar from a material that defines the main element and (b) a dissimilar geometric profile from that of the main element. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of providing battery power to a vehicle, the method comprising:
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using a battery pack to provide at least a portion of propulsive power for the vehicle, wherein the battery pack is cooperative with an electronic control unit to provide indicia of a fuse opening event to personnel within the vehicle; and including a sensing circuit signally cooperative with at least one battery cell within the battery pack, the circuit comprising; at least one fuse comprising a main element and a sensing element the latter of which defines a pre-open detection capability through at least one of (a) a material that is dissimilar from a material that defines the main element and (b) a dissimilar geometric profile from that of the main element such that a fusing event takes place in the sensing element prior to the main element; and an electrical conductor connected to the fuse such that upon receipt of an electrical signal from the at least one battery cell or an electronic module cooperative therewith, the sensing circuit provides indicia of the fusing event through opening of the sensing element prior in time to opening of the main element. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification