Telematics Battery Backup for Fleet Data Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telematics systems in fleet management rely on vehicle power, leading to interruptions and inaccuracies when power is lost or unstable, such as when the telematic monitoring device is unplugged or the connection with the vehicle is poor, causing disruptions in data collection and communication.

Innovation Solution

A battery backup system with control circuitry that operates in multiple modes to provide power to telematic monitoring devices, including full power and low power modes, and disconnects power when not needed, using sensors to determine vehicle state and motion to manage power distribution effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If telematic monitoring device relies on vehicle power, then device operation is simple and integrated with vehicle system, but data collection is interrupted when vehicle power is lost or connection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection continuityVSAvoidpower system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent sources: vehicle power source and battery power source. The battery device is separated as an independent backup unit with its own control circuitry, allowing the telematic monitoring device to switch between power sources without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery device acts as an intermediary power source between the vehicle power system and the telematic monitoring device. It includes control circuitry that mediates power flow decisions, determining when to charge from the vehicle and when to discharge to the monitoring device, thereby ensuring continuous operation during power transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If battery backup is always active, then power continuity is ensured, but energy is wasted when vehicle power is available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidbattery energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery device operates dynamically with multiple selectable modes (first mode, second mode, third mode) that adjust its function based on real-time vehicle power availability. The control circuitry continuously monitors vehicle power status and switches between charging mode, standby mode, and power supply mode, optimizing energy usage while ensuring power continuity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry implements feedback control by monitoring vehicle power status and battery charge levels. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts battery operation - charging when vehicle power is available and stable, and switching to battery power when vehicle power is lost or unstable, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If battery charges continuously from vehicle, then battery is always ready for backup, but battery may overcharge when vehicle power is unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery readinessVSAvoidbattery overcharge damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry monitors vehicle power stability through feedback mechanisms and adjusts charging operations accordingly. When vehicle power is detected as unstable or fluctuating, the control circuitry prevents charging operations, thereby protecting the battery from overcharge damage while still maintaining readiness for backup power supply when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures continuous operation of telematic monitoring devices even without vehicle power, reducing data interruptions and maintaining accurate fleet management by providing reliable power through intelligent mode switching based on vehicle states.

Implementation Method 1

a battery device electrically coupled to the telematic monitoring device, the battery device including control circuitry and at least one battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11641036B1Battery methods for use with telematics
Publication Date: 2023.05.02 GEOTAB INC
  • US11641036B1 patent drawing
  • US11641036B1 patent drawing
  • US11641036B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Vehicles can employ onboard telematic monitoring devices to collect vehicle and operation data, such as for improved vehicle fleet management. Such telematic monitoring devices are dependent on power from a vehicle, such that data collection and communication can be interrupted if a telematic monitoring device is disconnected or has a poor connection. The present disclosure relates to battery devices, which provide power to telematic monitoring devices as needed in order to maintain data collection and communication, or other more limited functionality. The present disclosure also relates to systems including battery devices, and methods for operating battery devices. The present disclosure also relates to detecting temperature of batteries, as well as emergency input and messages for telematic monitoring systems.