Portable Jump Starter with Microprocessor Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jumper cables for starting dead vehicle batteries pose safety risks due to potential sparking, explosion, and lack of diagnostic feedback, and may not ensure proper connection or sufficient power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A portable power source with real-time monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, using a programmable microprocessor to ensure safe and effective jump starting by verifying proper polarity, detecting faults, and automatically disconnecting once the vehicle is started, incorporating sensors for voltage, current, and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jumper cables are used to connect batteries, then supplemental power can be delivered to start the engine, but safety risks arise from potential sparking, explosion, and lack of diagnostic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors voltage, current, and temperature parameters during the jump-starting process. The microprocessor receives real-time data from sensors and adjusts operation accordingly, providing feedback control to prevent dangerous conditions such as excessive current, overheating, or improper connections before they can cause sparking or explosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual connection process with an automated electronic control system. The microprocessor-controlled switching mechanism automatically connects and disconnects the jumper cables based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing the risk of user error that could lead to sparking or explosion.
2Loss of information
If conventional jumper cables are used, then power can be transferred between batteries, but there is no diagnostic information provided about the cause of battery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback through the display device, showing real-time voltage, current, and temperature readings. After the jump-starting process, the microprocessor analyzes the collected data and displays diagnostic information about the cause of battery failure, such as whether the battery was fully discharged, had a short circuit, or suffered from other problems, without adding significant complexity to the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs diagnostic analysis of the battery condition and failure cause without requiring user intervention. The microprocessor independently processes the collected electrical parameters and temperature data, generates diagnostic conclusions, and presents them to the user, allowing the system to serve itself in the diagnostic function.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and diagnostic capabilities are added to the jump starter, then safety and effectiveness are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the switching mechanism, monitors electrical parameters, analyzes temperature data, provides diagnostic information, and controls the display device. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single intelligent controller, the system achieves high reliability and safety without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as one component performs many roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the monitoring, control, and diagnostic functions into an integrated system where sensors, microprocessor, switching mechanism, and display work as a unified whole. The electrical and temperature monitoring circuits are merged with the control logic, eliminating the need for separate independent systems and reducing the cumulative complexity that would result from adding multiple separate components.
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
Enhances safety and effectiveness by preventing accidents and providing diagnostic information, ensuring proper connection and power delivery, and automatically managing the jump starting process to avoid overheating and fire risks.
Implementation Method 1
Internal combustion and turbine engines require a power source to start. Commonly, this power source is in the form of a battery, which provides power to a starter motor
Implementation Method 2
a battery, which provides power to a starter motor, which in turn drives the engine. The crankshaft of the engine is rotated by the starter motor
Implementation Method 3
The present invention monitors the voltage of the battery of the vehicle to be jump started and the current delivered by the jump starter batteries
Implementation Method 4
The current through the shunt cable is monitored to determine if there is a battery explosion risk, and for excessive current conditions presenting an overheating condition
Implementation Method 5
The current through the shunt cable is monitored to determine if there is a battery explosion risk, and for excessive current conditions presenting an overheating condition, which may result in fire
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus provides supplemental power to an engine. The method and apparatus includes a pair of conductive leads for connecting the supplemental power to an engine electrical system, a battery, a relay connected to the conductive leads, a shunt cable connecting the battery to the relay and a processor for controlling the relay to selectively apply electrical power to the engine electrical system. The method and apparatus includes safety features to reduce the risk of injury to the operator and damage to the apparatus and/or engine electrical system.