Vehicle External Device Power Management via Intelligent Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face inconvenience when external devices, such as black boxes and navigation devices, are unable to continuously operate after the vehicle has stopped due to battery discharge, and experience power cuts when the ignition is turned off, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for connecting external devices to a vehicle that allows users to select between battery, ACC, and ignition power through an electronic instrument cluster, utilizing an intelligent power switch to manage power supply and prevent overcurrents, ensuring stable power and preventing battery discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If peripheral apparatuses are continuously used after the vehicle has stopped through a cigar jack, then the apparatus can remain operational, but the vehicle battery will be fully discharged and the vehicle becomes unstartable
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: vehicle battery, external power outlet, and power bank. Each power source can independently supply power to the peripheral apparatus, allowing the system to switch between them based on availability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous operation without depleting the vehicle battery, as external power sources can be used when available.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the power sources and the peripheral apparatus. It automatically detects the availability of different power sources and manages the power switching logic. The control unit monitors battery status and external power connection status, then seamlessly transitions between power sources, ensuring continuous operation while protecting the vehicle battery from discharge.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ignition is turned off, then the vehicle stops consuming fuel, but power is cut to the navigation device causing booting delays and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into ignition-dependent power (for vehicle systems) and independent power (for peripheral devices). The navigation device can be powered by external power sources or power banks that are independent of the ignition switch, allowing it to maintain operation or quick reboot without waiting for ignition-related power restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary power to the navigation device through external power outlets or power banks before ignition is turned off. This ensures the device maintains its operational state or can quickly resume operation after ignition is restored, eliminating the booting delay that would otherwise occur when power is cut.
3Reliability
If a separate external device connection terminal with user-selectable power types is implemented, then stable power supply and prevention of battery discharge are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external device connection terminal is designed with multi-functionality, supporting multiple power sources (vehicle battery, external power outlet, power bank) through a single unified interface. The control unit provides automated power management that handles multiple power source types without requiring separate control mechanisms for each, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system operates autonomously through automated detection and switching. The control unit automatically identifies available power sources, monitors their status, and performs seamless switching without user intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity for the user while ensuring stable power supply through intelligent power source selection.
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
Enables continuous operation of external devices without battery discharge and reduces power cut issues, maintaining device functionality and preventing vehicular damage by allowing user-controlled power selection and intelligent power management.
Implementation Method 1
an intelligent power switch (IPS) element configured to sense a current supplied to the external device connection terminal and provide the sensed current to the controller
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to receive power selected by a user from the electronic instrument cluster and control a switching element to protect the external device, the switching element being configured to adjust whether or not power is applied from a battery of the vehicle based on a type of power in the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting an external device to a vehicle includes: an external device connection terminal configured to be connected to an external device; an electronic instrument cluster configured to pop-up a user setting mode and provide a kind of power, a cutting time, or rated capacity using the user setting mode; a controller configured to receive power selected by a user from the electronic instrument cluster and control a switching element to protect the external device, the switching element being configured to adjust whether or not power is applied from a battery of the vehicle based on a type of power in the vehicle; and an intelligent power switch (IPS) element configured to sense a current supplied to the external device connection terminal.