Marine Battery Interlock Circuit for Safe Modular Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric marine propulsion systems are difficult to install, require electrical expertise, and are not suitable for harsh marine environments, necessitating complex rigging and maintenance, and lack scalability and user-friendly operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable electric propulsion system with a switch box that allows easy connection and disconnection of batteries in parallel, using an interlock circuit for safe power control and automatic mode switching, enabling novice installation and operation in marine environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex rigging and electrical connections are used to ensure reliable power delivery in marine environments, then power delivery reliability is improved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
An interlock circuit serves as an intermediary between the power circuit and the user, providing safety verification before enabling power flow. The interlock circuit checks that all connections are proper and safe before allowing the battery to deliver power, thus ensuring reliability without requiring complex rigging from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification through the interlock circuit, which automatically checks connection integrity and safety conditions. This eliminates the need for users to perform complex electrical expertise tasks, while still ensuring reliable and safe power delivery through automated safety checks.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed battery connections are used to ensure stable power supply, then power stability is improved, but scalability and ease of reconfiguration decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed connections to dynamic, reconfigurable connections. The interlock circuit enables the battery to be connected and disconnected safely multiple times, allowing the system to adapt to different power needs while maintaining stability during operation through automated safety verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable battery design with interlock circuit provides universal applicability - the same connection interface can be used for different battery configurations (single battery, multiple batteries in parallel), enabling scalability while maintaining stable power delivery through the standardized interlock verification process.
3Power
If traditional electrical connection systems are used, then power delivery capability is sufficient, but shock risk and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock circuit performs preliminary safety verification before enabling power delivery. It checks that connections are proper and safe, preventing dangerous situations from occurring in the first place. This preliminary anti-action reduces shock risk while maintaining full power delivery capability when conditions are safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock circuit acts as an intermediary safety layer between the high-power electrical system and the user. It mediates the connection process by verifying safety conditions before allowing power flow, thus reducing shock risk without compromising power delivery capability.
4Reliability
If professional electrical expertise is required for installation, then system reliability is improved, but ease of installation and operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock circuit enables novice users to perform self-verification of proper installation. The automated safety checks replace the need for professional electrical expertise, allowing users to confidently install and operate the system while maintaining high reliability through objective safety verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock circuit provides immediate feedback on installation correctness through its safety verification process. This feedback mechanism guides users through proper connection procedures, ensuring reliable installation without requiring professional electrical expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine propulsion system includes a marine drive having an electric motor powerhead, at least one marine battery, at least a first connection cable having a connector configured to removably connect to a drive port on a housing of the marine drive, and an interlock circuit. The interlock circuit is configured to provide a completed circuit when the at least one battery and the marine drive are connected via at least the first connection cable, wherein the interlock circuit is independent from a power circuit delivering power from the at least one marine battery to the marine drive. The at least one battery is configured to identify whether the interlock circuit is completed and to control an internal disconnect to connect to the power circuit when the interlock circuit is completed and to disconnect from the power circuit when the interlock circuit is opened.