Programmable Battery Voltage Thresholds for Engine Start Stop Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Truck batteries often lose charge due to environmental factors and usage, leading to failed engine starts, as existing systems lack programmable battery voltage level customization and monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system that connects a computing module to a motor vehicle's ignition and battery, allowing users to program and monitor battery voltage thresholds, automatically starting the engine when the voltage falls below a set level, and running it for a programmed time to recharge the battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed battery voltage threshold is used in existing systems, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different environmental conditions and locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a programmable battery voltage threshold system that allows the threshold to be dynamically adjusted based on environmental conditions, location, and vehicle settings. The computing module stores and retrieves different voltage threshold values from memory, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational conditions rather than using a fixed threshold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage threshold parameter dynamically based on environmental factors and operational conditions. By storing multiple voltage threshold values in memory and selecting appropriate values based on current conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex real-time calculations or sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual monitoring and recharging procedures are required, then the system is simple, but the operational efficiency and battery maintenance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic monitoring of battery voltage and self-initiates engine starting sequences when voltage thresholds are reached. The computing module continuously monitors battery voltage, compares it against stored thresholds, and automatically triggers the ignition system to recharge the battery, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining simple operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery voltage levels and automatically responds by initiating engine starts when thresholds are breached. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the battery is recharged before complete depletion occurs, improving operational efficiency without requiring complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the engine is started frequently to recharge the battery, then the battery charge is maintained, but the energy consumption and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charge reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively starts the engine before the battery is completely depleted by monitoring voltage levels and triggering restart sequences at predetermined thresholds. This preliminary action prevents complete battery exhaustion, ensuring reliable engine starting capability while minimizing unnecessary engine runs by acting only when thresholds are approached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts the voltage threshold parameters based on environmental conditions and operational history to optimize the balance between maintaining battery charge and minimizing engine start frequency. By programmable thresholds, the system adapts to different scenarios such as cold weather or high-altitude operations where battery performance varies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9932951B2Engine start stop system based on programmable battery voltage levels
Publication Date: 2018.04.03 IDLE SMART LLC
  • US9932951B2 patent drawing
  • US9932951B2 patent drawing
  • US9932951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor vehicle, such as a truck, battery charge monitoring and recharging system. The truck engine start/stop system initiates a battery recharge cycle based on programmable battery voltage levels. The system allows the user to individually program the appropriate voltage recharge levels dynamically to meet optimal standards based on location, environment, and other vehicle settings.