Vehicle Battery Interrupter Using a Wedged Ball Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for vehicles are prone to false activation, do not effectively interrupt electricity in collisions from all directions, are prone to failure, expensive, and difficult to install, and may allow reconnection of electricity after a collision, leading to potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising a housing with a weighted conductive ball spring mechanism that automatically interrupts electricity from a vehicle battery upon collision, preventing reconnection and designed for easy installation in any vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing safety devices are used to interrupt electricity after collision, then electricity interruption function is provided, but false activation occurs from minor impacts and devices are prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from simple acceleration thresholds to a specific delta-V (change in velocity) threshold. The device remains inactive during normal driving variations but activates when the vehicle experiences a collision with delta-V exceeding the threshold, thereby preventing false activation while ensuring reliable operation during actual collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simpler velocity-change-based activation mechanism. By using a velocity sensor to detect delta-V rather than relying on complex mechanical impact sensors, the system achieves more reliable collision detection with reduced false activation from minor vibrations or road imperfections
2Reliability
If existing safety devices are used to interrupt electricity, then collision protection is provided, but devices are expensive and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the safety system into separate functional modules: a velocity sensor, a control unit for calculating delta-V, and an electricity interruption mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and tested, simplifying assembly and installation while maintaining reliable collision protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electricity interruption device to be universally applicable to various vehicle types and existing safety systems. The standardized interface and modular architecture allow the device to be installed in different vehicle configurations without requiring custom manufacturing, reducing both production complexity and installation difficulty
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing safety devices are used to interrupt electricity, then post-collision fire prevention is provided, but electricity may be reconnected after collision causing further damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by designing the electricity interruption mechanism to remain activated after collision detection. The system does not merely temporarily interrupt electricity but maintains the disconnection state, preventing any potential reconnection that could cause secondary fires or damage during post-collision emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the collision state and maintains electricity interruption as long as post-collision conditions indicate potential danger. The system provides feedback to the electricity supply system to ensure sustained disconnection, preventing accidental reconnection until safe conditions are confirmed
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
Effectively prevents post-collision fires by ensuring electricity is safely interrupted and not reconnected, while being easy to install and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a collision of the vertical causes the weighted conductive ball to become dislodged from the upper compressed spring and the bottom compressed spring interrupting electricity from the vehicle battery
Data Source
AI summary
Safety devices, systems, and methods for automatically interrupting power from electricity sources in a vehicle, such as a vehicle battery to prevent post car collision fires. A housing having an interior circumferential chamber formed between an upper section and a lower section, and a weighted metal ball positioned between upper and lower compressed springs in a midportion of the interior chamber so that an electrical path can pass through the housing. The interior chamber tapers down from interior walls about the midportion of the chamber to outer interior portions of the housing, the housing can be mounted to the positive terminal of a vehicle battery, where a collision causes the spring compressed ball to become dislodged breaking the electrical path interrupting electricity from the vehicle battery, and the ball becomes wedged inside the tapering down interior walls inside of the housing.