Self-Powered Wireless Fuse Switch for Remote Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electrical systems lack a singular, self-powered wireless connectivity solution that can be easily installed without special tools or training to remotely control fuse-protected subsystems, as current aftermarket solutions require extensive custom engineering and professional installation.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered wireless fuse switch that replaces a standard fuse, equipped with a replaceable battery and RF transceiver, allowing remote control of vehicle subsystems through a mobile device, and can be designed for various fuse configurations, including two-blade and three-blade sockets, to control power distribution and provide overcurrent protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless relay replacement is used to enable RF control of vehicle systems, then remote control capability is added, but the system requires additional power wiring and extensive custom engineering for each vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless fuse switch is designed to be self-powered by drawing power from the vehicle's existing electrical system through the fuse socket, eliminating the need for additional power wiring. The device automatically integrates into the vehicle's electrical architecture without requiring custom engineering or professional installation tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless fuse switch is designed with a universal interface that can be installed in standard automotive fuse sockets across different vehicle makes and models. The device serves multiple functions: it acts as a fuse, a relay, and a wireless control interface, replacing the need for vehicle-specific custom engineering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional wires are run to obtain power and ground for wireless relay operation, then the wireless relay can operate, but installation becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless relay operationVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless fuse switch automatically draws power from the vehicle's electrical system through the existing fuse socket connection. The device intelligently utilizes the power already present in the circuit it is installed in, eliminating the need for separate power and ground wire installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless fuse switch acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the vehicle's existing electrical system and the wireless control system. It mediates power delivery by drawing from the vehicle's electrical architecture through the fuse socket, avoiding the need for direct wiring modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle manufacturers continuously introduce new features in new vehicles, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but older vehicles cannot benefit from these enhanced features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle functionalityVSAvoidobsolescence time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless fuse switch enables owners of older vehicles to proactively add modern control features before they become obsolete. By installing wireless control capability, vehicle owners can update their systems to match the functionality of newer vehicles, extending the useful life and adaptability of older models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing vehicle functionality to be updated and modified after manufacture. Owners can remotely control and reconfigure vehicle subsystems using mobile devices, enabling older vehicles to adapt to new usage requirements and features that would otherwise require new vehicle purchases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If aftermarket security and convenience subsystems are installed to expand vehicle capabilities, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but professional installation is required due to technical complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle capability expansionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless fuse switch is designed as a universal device that interfaces with standard automotive fuse sockets across all vehicle makes and models. This universality eliminates the need for vehicle-specific custom engineering and allows any vehicle owner to install the device themselves without professional technical assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed for self-installation by the vehicle owner. It automatically integrates into the vehicle's electrical system through the existing fuse socket, requires no special tools or training, and can be installed and configured by the end user without professional technician involvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 users to remotely deactivate or activate vehicle electrical functions without specialized tools or training, enhancing security and convenience by providing a universal solution for all vehicles, reducing installation costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless control module contains a power source (replaceable battery) which operates an internal radio frequency (RF) transceiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

A self-powered wireless fuse switch that replaces a standard fuse, equipped with a replaceable battery and RF transceiver, allowing remote control of vehicle subsystems through a mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10211020B2Self-powered wireless fuse switch
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 BLUE ECLIPSE LLC
  • US10211020B2 patent drawing
  • US10211020B2 patent drawing
  • US10211020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-powered wireless fuse switch is disclosed that is a plug-in replacement for a fuse found in the electrical system of vehicles. The self-powered wireless fuse adds remote-controlled switching capabilities for short and long-range control of power to subsystems of a vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes a wireless control module having an internal power supply and an internal transceiver that receives commands from a remote control unit. A separate fuse module includes an outer housing and fuse blades that extend from the outer housing and interface with a fuse socket of the vehicle to selectively allow or interrupt power from the vehicle to the subsystem of the vehicle electrical system. The fuse module includes a fusible link, a relay controller and a relay in the outer housing. The fuse module receives power from and communicates with the wireless control module.