Resettable Vehicle Circuit Protection System with Automatic Fault Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit protection systems in vehicles, such as those for cigarette lighters or power outlets, often require manual replacement of fuses or do not automatically reset after a fault is cleared, and are not easily accessible for operators while driving.
Innovation Solution
A resettable circuit protection system comprising a power outlet receptacle, a resettable circuit protection device, a resettable switch, a control module, and a user interface, which automatically opens in response to overloads, displays fault messages, and allows operators to reset the system through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fuse system is used, then circuit protection is provided, but the fuse must be manually replaced after blowing and is not easily accessible to operators while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit protection device automatically resets itself after tripping, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The control module autonomously monitors the circuit condition and commands the circuit breaker to close once the fault is cleared, allowing the system to serve itself without operator involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module continuously monitors the circuit protection device status and provides feedback through the user interface. When the device trips or resets, the system communicates this information to the operator, enabling informed decision-making while maintaining automated operation.
2Reliability
If a Type-II circuit breaker system is used, then automatic resetting is provided, but the breaker remains off after tripping until power is removed and does not verify if the fault condition is remedied
Solution Approach 1:
The control module verifies the circuit condition before commanding the circuit breaker to close. By checking whether the fault condition has been cleared in advance of the reset operation, the system ensures safe resetting while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors circuit conditions and provides feedback to the control module. This real-time feedback enables the control module to make informed decisions about when to reset the circuit breaker, ensuring both automation and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If fuses and circuit breakers are located in inaccessible places, then circuit protection is provided, but operators cannot easily access them while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface acts as an intermediary between the circuit protection device and the operator. It provides visual feedback about device status and allows operators to interact with the system without needing physical access to the circuit breaker or fuse locations, maintaining simplicity while improving accessibility.
4Productivity
If manual fuse replacement is required, then circuit protection is provided, but time is lost for replacement and the process requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit protection device automatically resets itself after tripping, eliminating the need for manual fuse replacement. The control module autonomously monitors circuit conditions and commands the circuit breaker to close when appropriate, restoring power automatically without operator intervention and eliminating replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system verifies fault clearance before initiating the reset sequence, ensuring that power is restored as quickly as possible while maintaining safety. This preliminary verification prevents unnecessary delays while enabling rapid automatic restoration when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
A resettable circuit protection system for a vehicle includes a power outlet, a resettable circuit protection device, a resettable switch, a control module, and a user interface. The resettable circuit protection device is disposed in power communication with the power outlet, is operable between open and closed positions, and is configured to automatically open in response to an electrical overload condition at the power outlet. The resettable switch is electrically disposed in series with the circuit protection device, and operates between open and closed positions. The control module is disposed in signal communication with the circuit protection device and the switch. The user interface is disposed in signal communication with the control module. When the circuit protection device is open, the control module is responsive to facilitate display of a message at the user interface indicative of the circuit protection device being open, and to facilitate opening of the switch.