Voltage-Sensing Charging Access for Safe 12V and 24V Jump Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle electrical systems, there is a risk of damaging the 12V electrical system when attempting to jump start using a 24V source, and existing methods lack a safe and simple way to ensure correct voltage sourcing for charging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-voltage charging apparatus with a housing containing separate compartments and access doors for 12V and 24V charging terminals, utilizing a door release circuit that senses the applied voltage and selectively unlocks the appropriate compartment for safe charging based on the voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a 24V source is used to jump start a 12V electrical system, then the vehicle can be started, but the 12V electrical system can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the external 24V power source and the vehicle's 12V electrical system. It includes voltage detection circuitry that senses the input voltage level and a switching mechanism that connects the appropriate charging terminal based on the detected voltage, preventing direct connection of mismatched voltages and thus protecting the vehicle's electrical system from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its connection parameters based on the input voltage level. When a higher voltage (24V) is detected, the system switches to connect only the appropriate charging terminal that matches the vehicle's electrical system requirements, thereby adapting the charging configuration to prevent damage while maintaining the ability to start the vehicle
2Reliability
If multiple charging terminals are provided for different voltages, then correct voltage matching is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple voltage levels (both 12V and 24V systems) through a single integrated unit. It incorporates multiple charging terminals within one housing, each accessible through separate doors, allowing the same device to serve both 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems without requiring separate charging devices for each voltage level
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic voltage detection and self-configures the appropriate connections without requiring manual intervention from the user. The voltage detection circuitry automatically senses the input voltage level and the control circuitry automatically switches the appropriate charging terminal, eliminating the need for users to manually determine which terminal to use and reducing operational complexity
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
Ensures safe and correct voltage access for charging, preventing damage to the 12V system by physically controlling access to the charging terminals based on the sensed external charging voltage, thereby protecting the vehicle's electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensing terminal and a door release circuit coupled to the voltage sensing terminal and configured to sense a charging voltage applied to the voltage sensing terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus includes at least one housing including a compartment, an access door connected to the housing and covering the compartment, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, a releasable latching mechanism configured to latch the access door in the closed position, a charging terminal in the compartment, a voltage sensing terminal, and a door release circuit coupled to the voltage sensing terminal and to the releasable latching mechanisms and configured to sense a charging voltage applied to the voltage sensing terminal. The door release circuit is configured to selectively unlatch the releasable latching mechanism in response to a voltage within a predetermined voltage range being applied to the voltage sensing terminal.