A locally developed instructional automotive charging system is now open for commercialization, offering a cheaper alternative to imported versions.
“The ‘Trainer Model for Instructional Automotive Charging System with Automatic Voltage Regulator and Integrated Circuits’ or Autocharge is an equipment that houses an electrical system identical to actual car charging systems,” Rene Chavez its inventor said.
Chavez explained that “through the instructional equipment, students can perform hands-on activities relating to installation and troubleshooting, without the presence of an actual car in their automotive classes.”
He said the equipment is easy to analyze because of its built-in “exploded view” of its alternator, and a cutaway view of the circuits.” Instructors will be able to facilitate hands-on learning, while students will immediately see the application by using this equipment, he added.
An instructor at the Bukidnon State University, Chavez said an exploded view of the parts of alternator refers to the view where individual parts are shown separately from its actual position.
He said companies abroad are selling the same type of equipment from P270,000 to P450,000. A company or fabricator will only need to spend P150,000 for a unit of his invention, he said.
“We are looking for a licensee who will purchase this technology. It can be a fabricator or manufacturer. Our target markets are schools accredited by the Department of Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority because they offer automotive servicing courses,” Chavez said.
Meanwhile, Chavez said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will guide the Autocharge team in the necessary steps for intellectual property (IP) protection. The DOST will also help them in applying for funding assistance and training, as well as connect them with industry partners.
The Autocharge contains an integrated circuit and an automatic voltage regulator circuit. Other components include a power supply, alternator, ammeter, volt meter, and light indicators indicating the ignition key switch state.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña earlier reported that the Autocharge team was open to partnerships with industry players, especially with educational institutions that offer automotive courses.
The team was among the winners of the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) of DOST in Northern Mindanao. This made the team qualify for the techno-preneurship training entitled, “Transforming R&D Outputs into Innovations through Techno-preneurship and Customer Validation,” which seeks to help RICE winners protect, transfer, and commercialize their inventions. (PNA)