Vehicle Computer Power Control via Ignition Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for energizing a laptop computer in a vehicle are inefficient due to lengthy initialization times, complexity in controller mechanisms, and limited functionality, as they only control power on/off and not the actual actuation/termination of the computer.
Innovation Solution
A motherboard with a converting circuit, switching circuit, detecting circuit, central processing unit, and south bridge controller is used to automatically turn the computer on/off in response to vehicle ignition, incorporating a timer to prevent power supply overuse in case of incomplete shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller goes through a lengthy initialization process after ignition is turned on, then the computer can be properly energized, but the time required for the controller to operate increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller send an ON signal to the computer before completing the full initialization process. This allows the computer to start energizing earlier in the sequence, reducing the overall time while still completing necessary initialization steps afterward.
2Ease of operation
If the controller includes mechanisms to detect switch state, provide OFF signals, and receive FINISH signals, then the computer can be controlled to turn off, but the controller becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the turn-off control functionality from the controller by introducing a separate switch that directly controls the computer's power state. This removes the need for complex signal detection and processing mechanisms within the controller, simplifying its structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch directly controls the computer's power state without requiring the controller to detect switch states or process complex signals. The system achieves self-service control where the switch's physical state directly translates to power on/off without intermediary processing mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller only controls energizing but not actual actuation/termination, then the controller function is limited, but the computer cannot be reliably turned on and off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the on/off actuation function from the controller's energization control by introducing a separate switch mechanism. This allows the controller to focus on power management while the switch handles the actual on/off actuation, improving both versatility and reliability.
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
This solution provides a simple, efficient, and automatic on/off functionality for laptop computers in vehicles, reducing initialization times and eliminating complexity by directly controlling the computer's power states and preventing power overuse.
Implementation Method 1
The converting circuit converts the electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a power supply and an ignition. A computer includes a mother board with a converting circuit for converting electricity. A switching circuit controls the transfer of electricity to the converting circuit from the power supply. A detecting circuit detects the state of the ignition, sends an ON signal and instructs the switching circuit to conduct the transfer if the ignition is turned on, and sends an OFF signal and instructs the switching circuit to interrupt the transfer if the ignition is turned off. A central processing unit receives electricity from the converting circuit and turns on or off the computer. A south bridge controller receives electricity from the converting circuit and instructs the central process to turn on the computer on receiving the ON signal or turn off the computer on receiving the OFF signal.