Vehicle Voltage Event Capture for EV and ICE Cranking Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telematics systems face challenges in accurately determining the type of vehicle and capturing voltage-based events, particularly in distinguishing between electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), which affects efficient data collection and management.

Innovation Solution

A device with a controller, voltage monitor, analog-to-digital converter, digital-to-analog converter, and comparator is used to determine the vehicle type by comparing battery voltage with charging and cranking thresholds, querying the vehicle for type when unknown, and capturing cranking voltage values to identify vehicle status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the telematics device continuously monitors battery voltage to accurately capture voltage-based events, then the measurement precision is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage event detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic voltage monitoring at specific intervals and triggers measurements only when voltage thresholds are crossed, rather than continuous monitoring. The comparator continuously compares battery voltage against predefined thresholds and generates interrupt signals only when voltage events occur, reducing ADC conversions and processor activity while maintaining accurate event capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The comparator acts as an intermediary between the battery voltage source and the ADC/processor. It pre-processes the voltage signal by comparing it against thresholds and generating digital interrupt signals only when events occur, filtering out unnecessary continuous data transmission and reducing the burden on power-consuming components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device queries the vehicle for vehicle type information, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of communication protocols increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle type identificationVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal OBD communication interface that can identify vehicle type through standardized protocols. The same communication bus used for general telematics data also carries vehicle type information, allowing the device to adapt to different vehicle types (EV, ICEV, PHEV) without requiring separate dedicated communication channels or complex vehicle-specific protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the device captures multiple cranking voltage values, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecranking voltage measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime to capture voltage events

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring voltage thresholds and capturing multiple voltage samples during the cranking event window. When a voltage drop below the cranking threshold is detected, the system immediately captures a series of voltage values without waiting for additional processing or confirmation, reducing overall response time while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables precise identification of vehicle type and efficient capture of voltage events, optimizing data collection and reducing power consumption by implementing a power-saving scheme based on vehicle status.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage monitor coupled to a vehicle battery of the vehicle, the voltage monitor having a voltage monitor output representing a battery voltage of the vehicle battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a digital output coupled to the controller and an analog input coupled to the voltage monitor output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a digital to analog converter (DAC) coupled to the controller and having a DAC output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Implementation Method 4

a comparator having a first input coupled to the voltage monitor output, a second input coupled to the DAC output, and a comparator output coupled to the controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS20240402253A1Device for capturing voltage-based events in motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 GEOTAB INC

AI summary

A device capable of detecting and capturing both cranking and operating events is provided. The device uses the same components to detect operating voltage for either electric or combustion vehicles, and to detect and facilitate capturing cranking events.