Power Supply Control Device for Battery Discharge Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems with remote control devices associated with computers, such as those in vehicles, face battery discharge issues when not in use, leading to inability to control functions and restart systems due to continuous power supply consumption, especially in devices with limited storage capacities like motorcycles.

Innovation Solution

A control device with interrupting means is installed in the power supply circuit, allowing users to completely interrupt power to the computer when the system is put out of operation, preventing battery discharge, and optionally allowing for delayed reactivation or automatic state changes based on user commands or inactivity thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the computer is continuously supplied with power to enable remote control functions, then the system can respond to remote commands at any time, but the battery becomes completely discharged after prolonged inactivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidbattery discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is configured to receive a disable command from the user and proactively interrupt the power supply to the computer before complete battery discharge occurs. This preliminary action of cutting power upon receiving a disable command prevents the harmful effect of battery exhaustion while maintaining the ability to restore functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply state is made dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between powered and power-interrupted states based on user commands and system conditions. The control device dynamically adjusts the power supply circuit state (connected or disconnected) according to operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining remote control capability and conserving battery energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the battery capacity is increased to prevent discharge during inactivity, then the system can maintain power supply longer, but the device becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery enduranceVSAvoidbattery capacity requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful element of continuous power consumption is extracted from the system by introducing an interrupting mechanism. The control device separates the power supply circuit into a connected state (when functionality is needed) and a disconnected state (when the system is disabled), removing the continuous drain that would otherwise require larger battery capacity to compensate for.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If the power supply is completely interrupted to conserve battery, then battery charge is preserved, but the system cannot be restarted or respond to commands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charge conservationVSAvoidsystem restart capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors system state and user commands, providing feedback control of the power supply circuit. When a disable command is received, it interrupts power to conserve battery. When a restart or enable command is received, it restores power connection. This feedback mechanism ensures the system responds appropriately to user intentions while managing battery charge effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3386809B1Device for controlling the power supply of a computer, associated with a remote control device of a system
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 PEUGEOT MOTOCYCLES
  • EP3386809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3386809B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (D1) for a system (S) comprising a battery (B) providing a computer (CS) with a supply voltage, associated with a remote control device (D2) via a power circuit (CA). Said device (D1) comprises switching means (MI) installed in series in the power circuit (CA), which can be placed in open and closed states, respectively prohibiting and authorising the supply of voltage to the computer (CS), according to a value of a first received control, following an action of a user on a control body (OC) installed in the system.