Optical Master Switch Sensing in Portable Battery Jump Starters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery jump starters, especially heavy-duty ones, are not portable and lack features like a master switch backlight system, dual operational modes, and efficient power transfer, making them cumbersome and difficult to use in various lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable rechargeable battery jump starting device with a highly conductive frame, detachable cables, a master switch with backlighting, and dual operational modes, utilizing Li-ion batteries and a cam-lock electrical connecting system for efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional lead acid batteries are used for heavy duty jump starters, then the power output is sufficient, but the weight becomes very heavy (hundreds of pounds) and size becomes large requiring fork lift for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional lead acid batteries to lithium-ion batteries, fundamentally changing the chemical composition and energy density parameters of the power source. This enables the same or higher power output with dramatically reduced weight and volume, making the jump starter portable while maintaining heavy duty performance capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials through the use of lithium-ion battery technology, which combines multiple advanced materials (lithium compounds, conductive additives, specialized electrolytes, and advanced electrode structures) to achieve superior energy density and power-to-weight ratio compared to conventional lead acid batteries
2Ease of operation
If a master switch is used for controlling operational modes, then the control functionality is improved, but the visibility of switch positions becomes difficult in daylight, sunshine, low light, and darkness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through the use of backlighting that illuminates the control switch positions with visible light. The backlight emits light in wavelengths that enhance the visibility of the switch positions and operational mode indicators, allowing users to easily distinguish between different modes (12V, 24V, charging, etc.) regardless of ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (backlighting system) between the control switch and the user's visual perception. This intermediary provides active illumination that mediates the visibility issue, ensuring that the switch positions and operational modes remain clearly visible across all lighting environments from bright sunlight to complete darkness
3Ease of operation
If detachable positive and negative cables are used, then the ease of storage and transport is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the positive and negative cables into detachable components with modular connectors. This allows the cables to be stored separately when not in use, reducing tangling and improving portability, while the connector design ensures reliable electrical connection when attached to the jump starter device
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
The device provides a lightweight, portable solution for jump starting vehicles with improved usability in different lighting conditions and efficient power transfer, enhancing operational flexibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler providing a signal to the microcontroller for indicating the position of the control switch
Implementation Method 2
The backlights may include at least one light emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
A portable rechargeable battery jump starting device with a highly conductive frame... for efficient power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a rechargeable battery jump starting device with a control switch (e.g. rotary control switch) and an optical position sensing switch system to determine a position of the control switch. The optical position sensing switch system includes an optical position sensor using optical coupling to insure an integrity of isolation on a 12V to 24V master switch to allow for a safe and effective operation, and configured so that a microcontroller unit reads a position on the master switch.