Independent Power Control for Vehicle Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle camera systems are limited to specific use cases and cannot be powered independently for situations outside their designed functionality, such as continuous operation for proof of transit or security monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system for independent power control and output access for vehicle devices, which includes a control unit and a switch that provides parallel power with back current protection, allowing devices like cameras to be powered on demand and integrate with auxiliary systems like vehicle event recorders, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle camera system is powered only during standard vehicle operation modes, then the vehicle system operates reliably within its designed parameters, but the camera cannot be used for situations outside its designed functionality (such as continuous operation for proof of transit or security monitoring)
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system is segmented into two independent channels: a primary power channel controlled by the vehicle's operating system for standard camera functions, and a secondary power channel controlled by an auxiliary system for extended operations. This segmentation allows the camera to serve multiple purposes without compromising the stability of either control path.
Solution Approach 2:
A dual-power control architecture acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's operating system and auxiliary systems. This intermediary structure enables independent power control, allowing the camera to be powered by either system according to different operational needs, thereby achieving versatility without sacrificing reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If parallel power is provided to enable continuous camera operation, then the camera can operate beyond standard use cases, but there is risk of back current affecting vehicle electrical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful back current into a beneficial feature by implementing intelligent power direction control. The system automatically directs current flow from the appropriate power source (vehicle system or auxiliary system) to the camera, ensuring that power flows in the correct direction and preventing back current damage while enabling extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system incorporates preliminary protective measures through dual power control channels with built-in current direction management. Before back current can affect the vehicle electrical system, the control architecture preemptively prevents it by ensuring proper power flow direction, thus protecting the system while enabling continuous camera operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual power control system is implemented, then independent power control and extended operation are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual power control system is designed with universal control logic that manages both primary and secondary power channels through a unified architecture. This multi-functional design allows the same control mechanism to handle both standard vehicle operation modes and auxiliary system operations, reducing the need for separate complex control circuits for each power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for primary and secondary power channels into a unified power control architecture. By combining the control logic and management functions into a single integrated system, the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing two separate control systems is reduced, while still maintaining the ability to provide independent power control and extended operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing power includes a control and a switch. The control is configured to indicate providing parallel power to a vehicle mounted device. The switch is configured to connect power in parallel to the vehicle mounted device, where connecting power in parallel includes back current protection.