Integrated Circuit Switching and Protection for Marine Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of marine and emergency vehicle electrical systems, driven by increased safety requirements and multiple battery charging sources, leads to challenges such as high power consumption from individual autonomous switching devices, unnecessary costs, and increased voltage drop due to redundant circuit protection devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained device integrating multiple autonomous electrical switching functions, circuit protection, and manual switching capabilities, utilizing a printed circuit board assembly with embedded microprocessor electronics to reduce device interconnection space and cost, and leverage processing power across functions, while communicating with vehicle information systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple individual autonomous electrical switching devices are used to control battery connections, then automatic switching functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple autonomous electrical switching devices into a single integrated device that can control multiple battery connections. This consolidation reduces the total power consumption by eliminating redundant microprocessors and sensors across multiple devices, while maintaining automatic switching functionality through a unified control system that monitors battery voltages and manages charge distribution efficiently.
2Extent of automation
If multiple individual autonomous electrical switching devices are used, then automatic switching functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple switching functions into a single device housing that contains multiple independent circuits on a printed circuit board. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices, each requiring their own mounting space and interconnections. The unified device provides a simpler installation process and reduces the overall complexity of the electrical system architecture.
3Reliability
If redundant circuit protection devices are installed downstream from switching devices, then wire protection is ensured, but voltage drop increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates circuit protection functionality directly into the switching device by incorporating fusible links or circuit breakers within the same housing and on the same printed circuit board as the switching elements. This integration eliminates the need for separate redundant protection devices downstream, reducing the number of connection points and minimizing cumulative voltage drop while maintaining comprehensive wire protection for all battery circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible electrical system distribution, switching, and protection solution having two or more autonomous electrical switching devices and optionally adding circuit protection and manual switching in one self-contained device. A printed circuit board assembly is configured to operate two or more electrical switch functions to act from a remote signal input or autonomously, independently or simultaneously. The printed circuit board can be assembled into a housing where multiple independent circuits on the printed circuit board assembly can be permanently electrically connected to each other through electrical conductors thus reducing the number of independent circuits within the assembly. The assembly further consists of an electrically isolative housing and terminal studs and retaining nuts capable to receiving electrical cable ring terminals.