Inductive Harness Coupling for Vehicle Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle wiring harnesses are long, bulky, and unwieldy due to the point-to-point connection scheme for electrically-powered components, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission and communication.
Innovation Solution
An inductively coupled power distribution system using AC power modules, power distribution wiring harnesses, and inductive coupling modules that wirelessly transmit AC electrical power and communication signals to electrically-powered loads, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and allowing for modular implementation across various vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-to-point connection scheme is used to connect the wiring harness to each electrically-powered component, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but the wiring harness becomes very long, bulky, and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the traditional single wiring harness into multiple distributed inductive coupling modules, each serving specific loads locally. This segmentation reduces the overall wiring harness length by eliminating the need for a single continuous harness to reach every component individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical wiring harness connections) with an inductive coupling system that transfers power wirelessly through electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive physical wiring while maintaining reliable power transmission.
2Power
If individual wiring connections are made to each electrically-powered component, then precise power delivery is achieved, but the system complexity and number of electrical couplers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coupling modules serve multiple functions: they provide power transmission, communication signals, and load management capabilities through a single integrated interface. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling modules act as intermediary devices between the power source and individual loads, managing power delivery and communication signals through electromagnetic coupling. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by providing a standardized interface that handles multiple tasks.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized wiring harness is used across different vehicle types, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the wiring harness becomes overly complex to accommodate all vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic inductive coupling modules that can be selectively activated and deactivated based on the specific vehicle configuration and load requirements. This dynamic approach allows a standardized platform to adapt to different vehicle types without requiring custom wiring harnesses for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system allows for parameter changes in power transmission characteristics, communication protocols, and module activation patterns to accommodate different vehicle types. This flexibility enables manufacturing efficiency through standardization while adapting to specific application requirements.
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
This solution reduces the need for electrical couplers, enables efficient power transmission and communication without current management devices, and allows for flexible implementation across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific wiring harnesses.
Implementation Method 1
inductive coupling modules that wirelessly transmit AC electrical power and communication signals to electrically-powered loads
Implementation Method 2
a signal injection module that injects a communication signal on the power distribution wiring harness using signal modulation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an AC power module structured to provide alternating current (“AC”) electrical power; a power distribution wiring harness structured to receive the AC electrical power from the AC power module; a plurality of inductive coupling modules coupled to the power distribution wiring harness, and configured to transmit the AC electrical power to at least one load; and, a signal injection module structured to inject a communication signal on the power distribution wiring harness using signal modulation during a transient moment of operation corresponding to a low electrical noise operating range of electromagnetic interference generated by components of a vehicle.