Modular Plug-and-Play Vehicle Power Distribution Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing aftermarket electrical devices in vehicles often requires specialized skills and can be complex, leading to errors and increased costs due to the need for proper wiring and circuit management, which can be daunting for non-technical individuals.
Innovation Solution
A modular power distribution system with distinct socket formats for switches and devices, coupled by relays, and accompanied by a method for easy installation, including a power distribution block, switch wire harnesses, and device wire harnesses, allowing for plug-and-play connectivity without specialized tools or skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are wired directly to the vehicle's electrical system through the fuse box, then electrical functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fuse box unit as an intermediary device between the vehicle's electrical system and the aftermarket devices. This unit pre-organizes fuse holders, relay sockets, and wiring terminals into a standardized interface, eliminating the need for users to directly wire devices to the vehicle's electrical system. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of electrical connections while providing a simple plug-and-play interface for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the electrical connection system into modular components: the fuse box unit, device wire harnesses, and vehicle wiring interface. Each component has a specific function and standardized connection points. This segmentation allows the complex electrical integration to be separated from the user's task, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining full electrical functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are added to the vehicle's electrical system, then functionality increases, but the number of required circuits in the fuse box increases, limiting further additions
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse box unit is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different types of electrical devices through standardized sockets and terminals. Rather than requiring separate custom wiring for each device, the unit provides multiple relay sockets and fuse holders that can serve various devices with different power requirements. This multi-functional design allows unlimited device additions without increasing circuit management complexity for the user.
3Reliability
If specialized wiring and circuit knowledge is required for installation, then proper electrical connections are achieved, but installation time and cost increase due to need for professional technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse box unit and wire harnesses come pre-wired with fuses, relay sockets, and electrical connections already properly configured during manufacturing. The complex wiring, fuse selection, and circuit configuration are performed in advance by the manufacturer rather than requiring the end user to perform these tasks. This preliminary action ensures connection reliability while dramatically reducing installation time to simple plug-and-play connections.
4Ease of operation
If users attempt to install devices without specialized knowledge, then installation cost is reduced, but errors can damage the vehicle or devices
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized fuse box unit acts as a protective intermediary that prevents users from making dangerous wiring errors. The pre-configured fuse holders and relay sockets provide physical and electrical constraints that guide correct connections. Users cannot improperly wire devices because the interface only accepts standardized connectors in specific positions, eliminating the possibility of damaging connections while remaining accessible to non-technical users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates protective elements in advance: fuse holders with built-in fuse protection, properly rated wiring, and current-limiting resistors in LED circuits. These protective measures are built into the design before the user performs any installation, cushioning against potential errors and preventing damage to the vehicle's electrical system or the installed devices even if users lack specialized knowledge.
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
Facilitates the easy and safe installation of multiple electrical devices by preventing incorrect component interchanging and ensuring proper circuit closure, reducing the learning curve and potential for damage, while allowing non-technical users to manage vehicle electrical systems effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The relay, when powered, closes a circuit between the switch socket and the device socket
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power distribution system for use on a vehicle having an electric power source. The system includes a power distribution block having a switch socket with a first format, a device socket having a second format, associated with the switch socket to form a socket pair, a relay electrically coupling the switch socket to the device socket, and input power terminals electrically coupled to the socket pair and the relay, and configured to be electrically coupled to the electric power source. A switch wire harness includes a switch plug having a first complemental format configured to be removably received by the first format of the switch socket. A device wire harness includes a device plug having a second complemental format configured to be removably received by the second format of the device socket.