Intelligent power distribution system for improving vehicle starting
AssigneeKnorr-Bremse GmbH
InventorsPeter Lindner, David Kiss, Dale B. Garrett, Thomas J. Hayes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To start a vehicle, power is provided from the vehicle's electrical source to electrical load(s) in the vehicle. Heavy electrical load(s) can sag the vehicle's electrical system and make starting the vehicle difficult. The following embodiments can address this problem by providing an intelligent power distribution system that uses controllable switch(es) to selectively connect load(s) to the vehicle's electrical source in a controlled, progressive manner. Connecting load(s) in a controlled fashion can facilitate the starting of the vehicle by avoiding having electrical load(s) present at start-up.
Claims20
A vehicle power distribution system comprising:
- an input configured to receive power from a power source in a vehicle;
- a plurality of outputs configured to couple with a respective plurality of loads of the vehicle;
- a plurality of switches associated with the respective plurality of outputs and loads, wherein each switch is configured to selectively close to provide the power received from the power source to its associated output and load;
- and
- one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to, in response to an attempt to start the vehicle:
- determine whether the power from the power source is stable;
- and
- progressively cause the plurality of switches to close to provide power to the plurality of outputs and loads in response to determining that the power from the power source is stable.
A method comprising:
- performing in a vehicle in response to an attempt to start the vehicle:
- determining whether power received from a power source in the vehicle is stable;
- and
- in response to determining that the power received from the power source is stable, causing at least one switch to close to provide the power received from the power source to at least one load of the vehicle.
A vehicle power distribution system comprising:
- an input configured to receive power from a power source in a vehicle;
- a plurality of outputs configured to couple with a respective plurality of loads of the vehicle;
- and
- means for progressively causing the plurality of switches to close during an attempt to start the vehicle in response to determining that the power from the power source is stable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.