Fuse Box Current Detection for Reliable Vehicle State Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the operational state of modern vehicles is challenging due to varying power connectors and inconvenient locations, and relying on battery voltage is unreliable with developments like smart alternators and hybrid powertrains.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical parameter detector installed in the vehicle fuse box and a power controller in the cabin, which wirelessly communicate to determine the vehicle's operational state and control power delivery to accessories based on detected electrical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery voltage is used to determine vehicle operational state, then the method is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to smart alternators and hybrid powertrains
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter from battery voltage to current draw patterns. By monitoring the magnitude and temporal patterns of current draw in the vehicle's electrical system, the system can reliably distinguish between engine running and accessory-only modes, even in vehicles with smart alternators and hybrid powertrains that maintain stable battery voltages.
2Ease of manufacture
If power connectors are located in standard positions, then installation is easy, but accessibility deteriorates when connectors are under dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing fuse box as an intermediary mounting location. The detector is installed in the fuse box, which is accessible from the interior of the vehicle, allowing easy installation and maintenance while maintaining connection to the electrical system through the vehicle's existing power distribution architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power connector types are supported, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universal compatibility by detecting electrical parameters (current draw patterns) rather than requiring physical connection to specific power connectors. This multi-functional approach allows the same detector to work across different vehicle models and connector types by monitoring the electrical system's current characteristics, which differ between engine running and accessory-only modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining vehicle operational state includes an electrical parameter detector configured to be installed in a vehicle fuse box and a power controller in communication with the electrical parameter detector. The electrical parameter detector is configured to determine the state of vehicle operation by monitoring current draw and/or voltage differentials across points of a given fuse or relay in the fuse box of the vehicle. When the appropriate current draw and/or voltage differential is detected, a wireless signal may be sent to the power controller inside the cabin of the vehicle. When the power controller receives the appropriate wireless signal from the electrical parameter detector, it is configured to activate an accessory device intended to be activated only when the vehicle is operational. The power controller is also configured to turn off power-consuming accessory devices when the vehicle is not operational in order to eliminate parasitic power draws from such vehicle accessories.