Electric Vehicle Power Control for Remote Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle technologies do not effectively enable the operation of medical equipment in remote locations using power supplied by hybrid or electric vehicles, limiting user convenience and the scope of medical services that can be provided.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device and method that utilizes an electric vehicle to supply power to medical equipment through a power supply device, allowing the vehicle to drive to remote locations and operate medical equipment, including dialysis machines, while also enabling communication with medical staff and access to patient records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to medical equipment using an electric vehicle's battery, then medical services can be provided in remote locations, but the battery's energy is consumed reducing vehicle operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between charging mode (when vehicle is stationary) and power supply mode (when serving medical equipment), optimizing battery utilization based on real-time operational needs. The controller monitors battery state of charge and automatically adjusts power flow direction to balance medical service provision with vehicle operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is used to provide power to medical equipment, then user convenience is improved, but the vehicle's primary function as a transportation device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electric vehicle is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a transportation device and a mobile power supply unit for medical equipment. The power supply system includes bidirectional power flow capability, allowing the vehicle to both consume and provide electrical energy, thus achieving multi-functionality without compromising its primary transportation role.
3Adaptability or versatility
If medical equipment is operated in remote locations using vehicle power, then access to medical care is improved, but the complexity of the power supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the battery and medical equipment, managing power flow, voltage regulation, and safety protection. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing control functions and providing standardized interfaces, thereby reducing system complexity despite the added functionality.
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
The solution enhances user convenience by enabling medical services to be provided in remote locations, expands the scope of medical services available, and improves access to medical care for patients far from medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a processor. The processor may charge the first battery based on a charge power supplied from an external power source through the power supply device
Implementation Method 2
provide power to the medical equipment based on a discharge power supplied by the first battery through the power supply device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device, or a method thereof, for a host vehicle can include a processor, a power supply device that performs charging or discharging, a first battery used to operate the host vehicle, and memory. The processor may charge the first battery based on a charge power supplied from an external power source through the power supply device, perform control of the host vehicle such that the vehicle drives to a place other than a medical facility for use of medical equipment, provide power to the medical equipment based on a discharge power supplied by the first battery through the power supply device, and perform one of or both of identifying a condition of a patient through the medical equipment at the place and performing treatment on the patient at the place.