US 12,467,983 B2
Apparatus, system, and method for early insulation damage detection for high current cables
Marc Ryan De Smidt, Remlap, AL (US); Juan Higgs, Durbanville (ZA); and Frederick J. Burkel, Highland Park, IL (US)
Assigned to Shem, LLC, Highland Park, IL (US)
Filed by Shem, LLC, Highland Park, IL (US)
Filed on Jun. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/840,076.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/211,495, filed on Jun. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0404436 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. G01R 31/58 (2020.01); B60R 16/023 (2006.01); B60R 16/03 (2006.01); G01R 31/74 (2020.01); H01B 9/02 (2006.01)
CPC G01R 31/58 (2020.01) [B60R 16/0232 (2013.01); B60R 16/03 (2013.01); G01R 31/74 (2020.01); H01B 9/02 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
a battery cable having a detection shield positioned over a first insulation layer and an inner conductor;
at least one vehicle controller programmed to:
provide a predetermined current or voltage to the detection shield;
receive a first signal indicative of measured current or voltage of the detection shield of the battery cable after providing the predetermined current or voltage to the detection shield;
compare the measured current or voltage of the detection shield to a predetermined value; and
generate an alert indicative of a warning that the battery cable is exhibiting a failure prior to a short circuit condition occurring at the battery cable in the event the measured current or voltage is not equal to the predetermined value,
wherein the battery cable includes a second insulation layer that is positioned over the detection shield and the first insulation layer, and
wherein the battery cable includes a first end and a second end,
wherein the detection shield is exposed and free of the second insulation layer at each of the first end and the second end while including the second insulation layer being positioned on the detection shield at an area between the first end and the second end;
a first connector assembly including a first connector and a first uninsulated conductive portion, wherein the first uninsulated conductive portion directly contacts the detection shield at the first end to one of (i) provide the predetermined current or voltage from the vehicle controller to the detection shield, and (ii) transmit the first signal indicative of the measured current or voltage to the at least one vehicle controller; and
a first insulator positioned over the first uninsulated conductive portion and the detection shield at the first end to protect the first uninsulated conductive portion and the detection shield from contacting a conductive interface positioned in a vehicle.