Battery Power Distribution Module for Deep-Discharge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries used in campers and caravans face reduced useful life due to improper discharge regimes, and increasing battery capacity leads to increased weight and volume without necessarily improving service life and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution module that includes sensors, relays, and a monitoring processor to control and monitor the distribution of battery input power to various device outlets, providing data on power consumption and allowing for automatic switching to safe mode when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend camping trip duration, then the volume and weight required to house the battery increase, but this does not necessarily improve service life and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring processor that continuously monitors battery parameters (voltage, current, temperature) and provides feedback control. The system monitors power consumption data from multiple devices and automatically manages battery discharge to prevent deep discharge conditions, thereby extending battery service life without requiring increased battery capacity or weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend camping trip duration, then the volume required to house the battery increases, but this does not necessarily improve service life and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring processor continuously tracks battery state of charge and power consumption, providing feedback control that optimizes battery usage. By preventing improper discharge regimes through automated monitoring and control, the system extends the effective duration of existing battery capacity without requiring increased volume.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased, then weight support required of a caravan or vehicle increases, but service life and reliability are not necessarily improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous monitoring of battery parameters including voltage, current, and temperature with automated feedback control. The monitoring processor manages power distribution to prevent deep discharge and improper usage patterns that reduce battery life, thereby extending service life without requiring increased battery weight or capacity.
4Reliability
If a monitoring and control system is implemented to manage battery discharge, then battery service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring processor performs multiple functions including voltage monitoring, current measurement, temperature sensing, power consumption calculation, and relay control within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality extends battery service life through intelligent control while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated monitoring and control where the monitoring processor independently manages battery discharge without requiring complex external control systems. The device self-regulates power distribution to connected devices, extending battery life through autonomous operation rather than complex manual or external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution module is described, which controls the distribution of battery input power to a plurality of device outlet ports using sensors and relay switches. The power distribution module monitors the voltage, current, and/or power from, and/or temperature of, the module and its conductors. The power distribution module has smartphone management of its power outlet ports. So, the power distribution module as described, includes a housing including one or more power inlets, and a plurality of power outlets; a controller processor configured to receive data from sensors in relation to battery capacity and state of charge, and to receive data on power provided to the power outlets; one or more relays, configured to switch power on or off to one or more of the plurality of power outlets; wherein the controller is configured to switch the one or more relays on or off in response to calculations based on selected threshold conditions. Methods of distributing power with a module based on calculations of power and current and temperature relative to selected thresholds are also described.