Solar Sign Redundant Charge Controller Logic Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-powered commercial signs lack reliability due to the absence of backup infrastructure, particularly with vulnerable components like charge controllers, which can lead to system failure if they malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A reliable solar-powered sign system is designed with redundant circuitry and a logic board that switches between redundant charge controllers, ensuring continuous operation by monitoring the operational state of each component and bypassing failed ones, along with a user-programmable timer and photocell for controlled activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single charge controller is used in a solar-powered sign system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the entire system fails if the charge controller fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into two separate battery banks (first and second battery banks), each with its own dedicated charge controller. This segmentation allows the system to operate with independent subsystems, so if one charge controller fails, the other can continue to charge its associated battery bank, thereby maintaining system reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage selector switch that can change the operational parameters of the system by selecting between different voltage sources (first battery bank or second battery bank). This parameter change capability allows the system to adapt to component failures by switching to an alternative configuration, improving reliability without permanently increasing circuit complexity
2Reliability
If redundant battery banks with separate charge controllers are implemented, then the reliability is improved through backup infrastructure, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage selector switch serves multiple functions: it normally operates as a power selection device for user control, but also acts as a failure bypass mechanism. When one charge controller fails, the switch can be moved to connect the load to the other battery bank, providing both user control and automatic failover capability in a single component, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-diagnosing and self-correcting through the voltage selector switch. When a charge controller fails, the system can automatically or manually switch to the other battery bank without requiring external intervention or complex control circuits, allowing the system to service itself and maintain operation despite component failures
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 system provides a reliable power infrastructure for solar-powered commercial signs by ensuring continuous operation even if one charge controller or battery bank fails, offering improved reliability and user control over activation times.
Implementation Method 1
A solar array produces electric power when sufficient light is present
Data Source
AI summary
A reliable solar powered sign system is disclosed and claimed. The solar powered sign system includes an electric sign, a solar array, and a pair of battery banks. The battery banks are generally coupled a control unit. The control includes a first charge controller, a second charge controller, and a logic board. The first battery bank is coupled to the first charge controller, and the second battery bank is coupled to the second charge controller. The logic board monitors an operational state of the first charge controller and the second charge controller, and, based on the operational state of the first charge controller and the operational state of the second charge controller, couples one of the charge controllers to the electric sign.