Backup Battery System for Automatic Vehicle Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine vehicles often experience inconvenient and potentially life-threatening situations due to sudden depletion of starting batteries, especially in extreme weather conditions, as existing backup systems have not been commercially successful in providing effortless and maintenance-free backup starting current.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a backup battery electrically coupled to the main starting battery via a relay switch, controlled by a controller with a wireless transceiver and a personal computing device, allowing for automatic recharging and remote monitoring, enabling seamless vehicle starting and recharging without additional maintenance burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single 12-volt lead-acid starting battery is used in the vehicle, then the vehicle starting system is simple and cost-effective, but the battery may become inoperable without notice in extreme weather conditions, causing inconvenience or safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors battery voltage and sends alerts before complete failure occurs. The controller continuously checks battery parameters and notifies the driver of deteriorating conditions, allowing preventive action before the battery becomes inoperable.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the battery monitoring controller and the driver's mobile device. This intermediary enables remote monitoring and alerting without requiring direct physical interaction with the battery system.
2Reliability
If backup battery systems are implemented in vehicles, then battery failure risk is reduced, but the systems have not been commercially successful due to lack of user convenience and additional maintenance burdens
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors battery voltage, determines charge status, and manages charging operations without user intervention. The controller autonomously decides when the auxiliary battery needs charging and coordinates the charging process, eliminating manual maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the driver through wireless alerts about battery status, voltage levels, and charging progress. This feedback loop keeps the user informed without requiring them to manually check battery conditions or perform maintenance tasks.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring and maintenance of starting batteries is required, then system complexity is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates and maintenance burdens increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated electronic sensing and wireless communication. Voltage sensors continuously monitor battery status and transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for users to physically inspect or manually test battery conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system serves multiple functions: it tracks battery voltage, determines charge status, sends alerts to drivers, and manages auxiliary battery charging. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution.
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
Ensures automatic and effortless provision of backup starting power, monitoring battery health, and facilitating remote assistance, thereby reducing the risk of vehicle immobilization and enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A backup battery is installed in the vehicle and electrically coupled conditionally to a main starting battery
Implementation Method 2
a relay switch coupling the main starting battery to the backup battery
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for the automatic provisioning of backup starting power to a starter of a vehicle with a depleted main starting battery. The system comprises a backup battery installed in the vehicle and electrically coupled conditionally to the main starting battery, a controller, a wireless transceiver and a wireless personal computing device with a recharging application installed therein. An exemplary method includes monitoring the main starting battery and the backup battery, receiving a recharge command, electrically connecting the backup battery to the main starting battery, starting the vehicle and disconnecting the backup battery. The installed application also comprises a graphical user interface though which the deterioration of the main charging battery may be monitored and through which the controller may send an assistance request to a third party.