Vehicle fire prevention and detection system
First Claim
1. An engine-powered land vehicle comprising:
- an engine;
a first power source for providing power to the engine and power to selected vehicle electrical loads;
a starter motor for starting the engine by drawing current from the first power source;
a first contactor coupled between the first power source and the starter motor, and between the first power source and the selected vehicle electrical loads;
a second power source, different from the first power source, for providing power to the selected vehicle electrical loads when the engine is operational;
a second contactor coupled between the second power source and the selected vehicle electrical loads; and
a fire prevention and detection control unit electrically coupled to the first power source, the first contactor, the starter motor, the second power source, the second contactor, and the selected electrical loads, and configured to;
determine an automatic disconnection condition for the land vehicle; and
control both the first contactor and the second contactor to disconnect the starter motor and the selected vehicle electrical loads from the first power source, and to disconnect the selected vehicle electrical loads from the second power source.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This invention provides fire prevention and detection for heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial and military vehicles by ensuring the engine is automatically and immediately shut down upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event that may lead to a fire. The shutdown is achieved through the isolation of the vehicle batteries and alternator and the disconnecting of those devices from all electrical circuits. Anomalies that cause the shutdown and disconnect include battery and vehicle load currents that are outside a preset range, excessive temperatures, detection of smoke in the drive compartment or sleeper, or detection of a frontal impact accident or vehicle rollover. Once disconnected, the battery contactor must be manually reset in order to restore electrical power to the vehicle.
33 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. An engine-powered land vehicle comprising:
-
an engine; a first power source for providing power to the engine and power to selected vehicle electrical loads; a starter motor for starting the engine by drawing current from the first power source; a first contactor coupled between the first power source and the starter motor, and between the first power source and the selected vehicle electrical loads; a second power source, different from the first power source, for providing power to the selected vehicle electrical loads when the engine is operational; a second contactor coupled between the second power source and the selected vehicle electrical loads; and a fire prevention and detection control unit electrically coupled to the first power source, the first contactor, the starter motor, the second power source, the second contactor, and the selected electrical loads, and configured to; determine an automatic disconnection condition for the land vehicle; and control both the first contactor and the second contactor to disconnect the starter motor and the selected vehicle electrical loads from the first power source, and to disconnect the selected vehicle electrical loads from the second power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
Specification