Vehicle Electrical System Terminal Relay Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy use of third-party electrical systems in light commercial vehicles can have detrimental effects on the original electrical system, including high current sleep modes and inefficient isolation, which can impact normal vehicle operation and battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with a terminal for coupling third-party loads and batteries, a relay for selective coupling to vehicle batteries, and a controller that determines current and voltage to control the relay's operation, providing isolation during engine start attempts and charging to protect batteries and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If third-party electrical systems are integrated into the vehicle, then the vehicle can support additional electrical equipment and conversions, but the original electrical system suffers detrimental effects including high current draw and reduced battery longevity
Solution Approach 1:
A relay is introduced as an intermediary component between the vehicle battery and third-party electrical systems. The relay selectively couples or decouples the third-party systems from the vehicle battery based on controller signals, acting as a mediator that allows integration while protecting the original electrical system from harmful effects of continuous connection
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors electrical parameters (voltage, current) from the vehicle battery and third-party systems, and adjusts the relay state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the relay opens when the battery needs protection (e.g., during starting attempts or when voltage drops below thresholds) and closes when power can be safely supplied, creating a self-regulating system
2Duration of action of moving object
If third-party batteries are connected to the vehicle electrical system, then extended power availability is achieved, but high current sleep modes and inefficient isolation impact normal vehicle operation and prevent engine starting
Solution Approach 1:
The relay serves as a controllable intermediary that enables efficient isolation of third-party batteries from the vehicle electrical system. Unlike permanent connections, the relay can be opened to completely disconnect third-party systems when not needed, eliminating parasitic current draw and ensuring full vehicle operability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection between vehicle battery and third-party systems is made dynamic rather than static. The relay allows the system to switch between connected and isolated states based on real-time conditions, enabling the system to adapt its configuration to optimize both power availability and vehicle operability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the relay is continuously closed to provide power to third-party systems, then uninterrupted electrical supply is maintained, but the vehicle battery cannot be protected during starting attempts or when voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous connection, the relay operates periodically based on controller-determined conditions. The controller continuously monitors battery voltage and system state, opening the relay when protection is needed (during starting attempts, when voltage drops below thresholds) and closing it when safe to provide power, creating a rhythm of connection and disconnection that balances supply continuity with battery protection
4Device complexity
If third-party electrical systems are permanently installed in the vehicle, then integration complexity is reduced, but the systems cannot be efficiently isolated when not required
Solution Approach 1:
The relay is integrated into the permanent installation as a mediating component that enables efficient isolation. While the physical installation is permanent, the electrical connection remains controllable through the relay, allowing third-party systems to be completely disconnected when not required, thus providing isolation capability without sacrificing integration simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical system for a motor vehicle is provided. The electrical system includes one or more vehicle batteries configured to provide electric power to one or more vehicle systems. The electrical system also includes a terminal configured to allow a third-party loads and/or a third-party batteries to be electrically coupled to the electrical system at the terminal. The electrical system further includes a relay configured to selectively couple the terminal to the vehicle batteries. A controller is configured to control the operation of the relay. A method of controlling operation of an electrical system for a motor vehicle is also provided.