Dual-Battery Cutoff Circuit for Parasitic Drain Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery power management systems fail to effectively conserve battery charge in vehicles and DC power systems when not in use, leading to parasitic drains that can deplete battery power and cause system failures, especially when power sources cease to operate.
Innovation Solution
A battery power management apparatus and method that includes a primary vehicle battery connected to the ignition system and non-drain loads, a main cutoff switch for disconnecting the battery from all circuits, and an auxiliary battery to provide power to drain loads, with alternators for continuous recharging, allowing remote control of switches to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the battery is disconnected from all circuits to conserve charge, then battery charge is preserved, but essential systems that require power when the vehicle is not operating cannot function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical load into two segments: drain loads (anti-theft systems, RF systems, electronic command computers) that require continuous power, and non-drain loads that do not. The first switch controls power to drain loads while the second switch controls power to non-drain loads, allowing selective disconnection to preserve battery charge while maintaining power to essential systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power management function into a separate control system with two switches that independently control different circuit branches. This extraction allows the system to selectively disconnect only the non-essential non-drain loads from the battery while keeping drain loads connected, thereby preserving battery charge without compromising essential system operation.
2Reliability
If the battery remains connected to all circuits to power essential systems, then power availability is maintained, but parasitic drain depletes battery charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical circuit into two controllable branches: one for drain loads that requires continuous power and one for non-drain loads that can be disconnected. The first switch maintains power to drain loads while the second switch disconnects non-drain loads, eliminating parasitic drain while ensuring essential systems remain powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces two switches as intermediary control devices between the battery and the electrical loads. These switches act as mediators that selectively connect or disconnect specific load groups from the battery, enabling precise control over power distribution to eliminate unnecessary drain while maintaining power to essential systems.
3Loss of energy
If a single switch disconnects the battery from all circuits, then battery charge is conserved, but both essential and non-essential systems lose power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a single monolithic switch with two segmented switches that independently control different circuit branches. The first switch controls power to drain loads (anti-theft, RF, command computers) while the second switch controls power to non-drain loads, providing selective power control and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, all-or-nothing power connection into a dynamic system with two independently controllable switches. This allows the system to adaptively adjust power distribution based on operational requirements, connecting or disconnecting specific load groups as needed rather than treating all loads uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including a first circuit containing a system, first battery, and first load which does not draw current from the first battery when the system is not operating; a second circuit containing a second battery and second load which draws current from the second battery when the system is non-operational; a first switch capable of disconnecting the first battery from the first circuit; a second switch capable of connecting the first battery to the first circuit, the first switch or second switch disconnects the system from the first battery when the first switch or second switch is in an opened position, and the first switch and second switch connect the first battery to the system when the first switch and second switch are in a closed position; and at least one recharger or alternator capable of recharging the first battery and second battery when the system is operating.