Modular Vehicle Jump Start Unit for External Power Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle jump start units are limited in their ability to connect external electrical systems that are not compatible with the vehicle's electrical system, preventing the use of external power sources for starting vehicles, especially in military applications where adaptability is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A modular switch-on system that allows for the exchangeable connection of switch-on modules between the vehicle and external electrical systems, enabling adaptation of voltage and form differences through interfaces and converters, such as voltage converters, rectifiers, and inverter modules, to facilitate energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standardized plug connection is used for vehicle jump start units, then the connection process is simplified and standardized, but the ability to connect to external electrical systems with different voltages or plug types is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidcompatibility with external electrical systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle jump start unit is designed with multiple interchangeable plug connections (e.g., 12V, 24V, and different connector types) that can be selected based on the external electrical system being connected. This allows a single device to serve multiple functions and connect to various external systems with different voltage requirements and connector types, resolving the contradiction between standardized operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the vehicle jump start unit uses a fixed voltage configuration, then the internal design is simplified, but the ability to connect to external electrical systems with different voltages is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal designVSAvoidvoltage compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle jump start unit is divided into multiple independent voltage configuration modules (e.g., 12V module, 24V module) that can be independently selected and connected. Each module contains the necessary circuitry for its specific voltage level, allowing the system to maintain simple internal design for each module while providing voltage compatibility through modular selection based on the external system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the on-board energy storage system is used alone, then the vehicle electrical system remains simple, but the ability to start the vehicle when energy storage is insufficient is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical system structureVSAvoidvehicle starting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle jump start unit acts as an intermediary energy source between the on-board energy storage system and the starter motor. When the on-board battery has insufficient charge, the jump start unit provides additional energy through its own power source or external connection, enabling the starter motor to operate. This mediator approach maintains the simplicity of the original electrical system while enhancing starting reliability under various conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the use of diverse external electrical systems to start vehicles by adapting voltage and form, ensuring compatibility and efficient energy transfer, even in extreme conditions, thereby enhancing vehicle availability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A switch-on module that can be switched in between the vehicle electrical system and the external electrical system, which can be accommodated in a module receptacle in an exchangeable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

enabling adaptation of voltage and form differences through interfaces and converters, such as voltage converters, rectifiers, and inverter modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

enabling adaptation of voltage and form differences through interfaces and converters, such as voltage converters, rectifiers, and inverter modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2748458B1Vehicle jump start unit, vehicle, and method for operating a vehicle jump start unit
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2748458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2748458B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2748458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle jump start unit (20) for connecting external electrics (30) to an electrical power supply (10) of a vehicle, wherein a connection module (21), which can be interposed between the vehicle power supply (10) and the external electrics (30) for the adapted connection of the external electrics (30), can be replaceably received in a module receptacle (23). The invention further relates to a vehicle having an electrical power supply (10) and a vehicle jump start unit (20). The invention also relates to a method for operating a vehicle jump start unit (20) for connecting an external electrics (30) to an electrical power supply (10) of a vehicle, wherein a replaceable connection module (21), which can be interposed between the vehicle power supply (10) and the external electrics (30) for the adapted connection of the external electrics (30), can be inserted into a module receptacle (23) of the vehicle jump start unit (20).