Parasitic Battery Drain Test Harness With Bypass Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining parasitic battery drain in motor vehicles are not cost-effective and do not adequately protect measurement devices from excessive current, making it difficult to accurately assess and diagnose the source of power loss in vehicles with complex electronic systems.

Innovation Solution

A cable harness assembly with a multimeter and a bypass switch, where one cable is fused to protect the measurement device from high currents, allowing for safe measurement of parasitic drain by switching between series and parallel circuits, enabling the detection of excessive battery drain without damaging the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a multimeter is directly connected to measure battery current, then measurement capability is provided, but the device is vulnerable to damage from excessive current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic drain measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice protection from excessive current

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A current limiting resistor is introduced as an intermediary component between the multimeter and the battery circuit. This resistor limits the maximum current that can flow through the multimeter, protecting it from damage while still allowing accurate measurement of parasitic drain currents. The resistor acts as a mediator that safeguards the measurement device without compromising its measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing parasitic drain test devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but they are not cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic drain detection accuracyVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into simple, inexpensive components: a multimeter, a current limiting resistor, and basic wiring. This segmentation allows each component to be selected independently based on its specific function, using off-the-shelf parts rather than requiring a proprietary integrated device. The result is a cost-effective solution that maintains measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a universal multimeter that can measure both voltage and current, rather than requiring specialized equipment. The same multimeter can be used for various automotive electrical diagnostics, making the investment versatile and cost-effective across multiple testing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If battery cables are disconnected to measure parasitic drain, then accurate measurement is possible, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic drain measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Alligator clips serve as intermediary connection devices that attach to the existing battery cable terminals without requiring cable disconnection. This maintains electrical isolation for accurate parasitic drain measurement while simplifying the procedure to simple clip attachment rather than complex cable manipulation.

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

This solution allows for accurate and safe measurement of parasitic drain over time, protecting the measurement device and providing clear indications of excessive current draw, facilitating the identification of faulty components in motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

One cable of the pair of cables is fused to protect the measurement device from high currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFusing:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a parasitic battery drain test assembly incorporating a current measuring device such as a multimeter or amp meter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9928938B2Parasitic battery drain test assembly for multiple component vehicle circuitry analysis

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 LISLE CORP

AI summary

A cable harness assembly useful in combination with a current measurement device includes first and second pairs of cables each pair having a lead connected to a separate pole of a bypass switch, each pair including one of said cables fused, said first pair of cables having leads connectable to a current measurement device and the second pair of cables connectable to direct current electric power course which is incorporated with circuitry involving various control and other modules potentially susceptible to parasitic current drain. The first and second pair of cables each includes one cable fused, the fuse rating of a second pair rated higher than said first pair rating, the first pair having leads configured connect to a current measurement device and the second pair having leads connectable respectively to the direct current power source and a circuit powered by the power source.