Vehicle Accessory Power Switch with LED Fuse Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket automotive fuses and power access points in vehicles face issues such as false negatives due to LED failure, difficult access for installation or replacement, and parasitic current draw when the vehicle is powered off, leading to battery drainage.
Innovation Solution
A power switch with a voltage supervisor, RC filter, and field-effect transistor, along with an LED indication system that illuminates when the switch is active, minimizing parasitic current draw and providing easy access for fuse replacement, while automatically activating when the engine is turned on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket fuses are installed in vehicle fuse-box, then accessory power access is improved, but installation and replacement become difficult due to matrix layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuse system into modular, independently accessible units. Each fuse or power access point is segmented as a separate replaceable module with external accessibility features, allowing users to install and replace fuses without navigating the entire fuse-box matrix, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external accessibility features that extend the fuse access to another dimension - external to the main fuse-box matrix. This could include external mounting locations, pull-out fuse holders, or accessible panels that bring the fuse replacement operation to a more convenient location outside the constrained matrix layout.
2Ease of operation
If power is continuously available at accessory access points, then ease of connection is improved, but parasitic current draw drains the vehicle battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional power delivery instead of continuous power availability. The accessory power is activated only during specific periods or conditions - such as when the vehicle ignition is on or when an accessory is actually connected and drawing current. This eliminates parasitic current draw during vehicle off-periods while maintaining connection convenience when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor accessory connection status and vehicle power state. Based on this feedback, the system automatically enables or disables power delivery to accessories. When no accessory is connected or the vehicle is off, the feedback signal cuts power supply, eliminating parasitic drain while maintaining ready-to-connect convenience when conditions are appropriate.
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 solution effectively addresses the ambiguity of fuse failure, reduces battery drainage, and simplifies accessory power management by ensuring the LED indicates active power delivery and minimizing current draw when the engine is off, thereby extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a light source electrically coupled to the electrical circuit so as to emit light when the circuit is closed and power is provided from the input to the component
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical switch for providing power from a power source to a component may include a voltage supervisor having an input and an output, a voltage divider, electrically coupled between the input of the voltage supervisor and ground, an RC filter electrically coupled to the output of the voltage supervisor, and a field-effect transistor having a first terminal coupled to the RC filter and a second terminal coupled to an output of the switch, the output configured to be electrically coupled to the component. A switch may additionally or alternatively include a light source electrically that emits light when power is provided from the input of the switch to the component, the light source arranged proximate a fuse so as to illuminate the fuse.