Combined trailer traction port and bicycle port accessory power

Abstract

Systems, methods, and vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, a vehicle may include a first port located outside of the vehicle, where the first port has a first form factor, and a second port located outside of the vehicle, where the second port has a second form factor different from the first form factor. The controller may include a plurality of output wires, wherein at least one of the plurality of output wires is coupled to the first port and the second port. The controller may be configured to detect whether the electrical connector is inserted into the first port or the second port, and select a configuration for controlling the plurality of output wires based on the detection.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 716,902, filed November 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] introduction

[0004] Traditional vehicle design often faces the challenge of effectively integrating multiple electrical and control systems for traction and rear accessory support, especially when adapting to different regional standards, such as those in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). This leads to increased complexity, higher costs, and potential user inconvenience due to the need for separate installations and controls for trailer traction and rear accessory power. Additionally, the lack of a unified system can result in compatibility issues and reduced functionality, thus limiting the versatility of the vehicle and the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As disclosed herein, this disclosure provides vehicles, systems, methods, non-transitory computer-readable media, and apparatuses, wherein a first port is located outside the vehicle, wherein the first port has a first form factor, and wherein a second port is located outside the vehicle, wherein the second port has a second form factor different from the first form factor. A controller may include a plurality of output wires, wherein at least one of the plurality of output wires is coupled to the first port and the second port, and wherein the controller is configured to detect whether an electrical connector is inserted into the first port or the second port, and to select a configuration for controlling the plurality of output wires based on the detection.

[0006] The controller can also be configured to, in response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port and based on a selected configuration, allow current to flow through at least one of the plurality of output wires to an accessory connected to the first port.

[0007] The first port can be a 7-pin traction port or a 13-pin traction port.

[0008] The controller can also be configured to, in response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the second port and based on a selected configuration, allow current to flow through at least one of the plurality of output wires to an accessory connected to the second port.

[0009] The second port can be a bicycle accessory port or a cargo box.

[0010] The first port and the second port may be located on the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

[0011] The device and / or vehicle may also include a third port located on the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the second port is a left-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle, and the third port is a right-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

[0012] In the vehicle, the controller may include a left-side controller and a right-side controller; the left-side controller may be configured to allow current to flow via a first wire of the plurality of output wires to the left-hand side of the accessory relative to the rear of the vehicle; and the right-side controller may be configured to allow current to flow via a second wire of the plurality of output wires to the right-hand side of the accessory relative to the rear of the vehicle.

[0013] The controller can also be configured such that, in response to detecting that a first electrical connector is inserted into the first port and a second electrical connector is inserted into the second port, and based on a selected configuration, current flows through a first wire of the plurality of output wires to an accessory connected to the first port; and current flows through a second wire of the plurality of output wires to an accessory connected to the second port.

[0014] The controller can receive instructions on input received via the user interface, and can further select the configuration based on the received instructions on that input.

[0015] In some implementations, the disclosed technology enables the unique combination of trailer towing and rear bicycle port power into a single integrated system supporting US and EU standards, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing user convenience. In some implementations, the disclosed technology provides seamless control and power management via controllers (e.g., right and left zone controllers of a zone controller), ensuring compatibility and optimal functionality for both the towing and rear attachments. This integrated solution simplifies the power and control of both the towing and rear attachments, providing enhanced versatility and user convenience while meeting different regional standards. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more various embodiments. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and show only typical or exemplary embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of illustration.

[0017] Figure 1AAn exemplary vehicle including a controller, a first port, and a second port is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1B An exemplary system according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 An exemplary user interface according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the US traction port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the EU traction port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 An exemplary signaling path between a vehicle controller and a bicycle rack according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the cargo box is shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart of some embodiments according to this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart of some embodiments according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1A An exemplary vehicle 101 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, which includes a partition controller 110, a first port 102, a second port 104, and a third port 106. The partition controller 110 may include any suitable combination of hardware and executable instructions to perform the functionality disclosed herein. The partition controller may include multiple output wires, at least one of multiple output wires 108 connected to the first port 102 and the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106). For example, as... Figure 1AAs shown, output wire 103 is connected to output wire 105, and output wire 105 can be connected to each of the first port 102, the second port 104, and the third port 106. For example, output wire 105 can be a separate lead having current paths to multiple ports 102, 104, 106, and / or the wires can be connected in parallel, allowing the partition controller 110 to control multiple output wires based on signals output via output wire 103 to output wire 105 and to one or more of the ports 102, 104, and 106. In some embodiments, output wires 103 and 105 can be spliced ​​together.

[0028] The partition controller 110 can be configured to interface with a first port 102, a second port 104, and / or a third port 106, one or more of which may have different form factors. For example, the first port 102 may be a 7-pin or 7-way towing port (such as for vehicles in the US) or a 13-pin or 13-way towing port (such as for vehicles in the EU), configured to enable the vehicle 101 to supply power to an accessory, such as a vehicle towed by the vehicle 101, such as a trailer, boat, vehicle, motorcycle, or any other suitable towable accessory, or any suitable combination thereof. The first port 102 may be located on the rear exterior of the vehicle 101, for example, at or near a trailer hitch or rear bumper of the vehicle 101. The second port 104 may be a right-hand bicycle accessory port, and the third port 106 may be a left-hand bicycle accessory port. In some implementations, a single port may be used for the bicycle accessory port instead of the second port 104 and the third port 106. For example, the second port 104 may provide pin assignments for utilizing each function provided via the bicycle accessory port.

[0029] In some embodiments, a 7-pin or 7-way tow port supports trailer lighting, 25A for auxiliary power, and 2-axle (16A) trailer braking, and / or any other suitable functionality. In some embodiments, a 13-pin or 13-way tow port supports trailer lighting and 25A for auxiliary power, but does not support trailer braking, and / or supports any other suitable functionality. In some embodiments, a bicycle port receiver (or a port for other suitable purposes, such as a portable kitchen or cooking station, shower, wheeled lift, winch, power adapter, computer station, lighting, fan, solar panel, cooler, generator, any other suitable accessory, or any suitable combination thereof) supports rear lighting and 25A for auxiliary power for rear accessories for both EU and US variants, and / or supports any other suitable functionality.

[0030] In some implementations, trailer towing and rear bicycle port power are combined (due to overlapping requirements / needs / features). Trailer towing supports towing requirements in both the US and EU or at suitable locations (e.g., the location where vehicle 101 is to be used), and bicycle port receivers (or other suitable ports or receivers) that receive power via a shared conductor (e.g., conductor 105), which may be directly or indirectly connected to the zone controller 110. Such ports may be located at the rear of vehicle 101 and support power supply for lights and output power to the trailer port and / or bicycle port.

[0031] The partition controller 110 may include or otherwise be coupled to one or more sensors, such as, for example Figure 1B The sensor 114 can receive sensor data from one or more such sensors indicating whether one or more electrical connectors (e.g., cables, wires, plugs, sockets, and / or harnesses) are connected to one or more of the first port 102, the second port 104, and / or the third port 106. The wires 103, 105, and / or electrical connectors can each be insulated wires or a group of insulated wires combined together, and can be combined with protective materials, such as, for example, metal sheaths. Based on the sensor data received from the sensor 114, the partition controller 110 can select a configuration for controlling multiple output wires 103, 105.

[0032] For example, partition controller 110 may determine, for example, that a first electrical connector is inserted into a first port 102, such as a cable or harness connected to a trailer to be towed by vehicle 101, and based on such sensor data, partition controller 110 may allow current to flow through output wire 105 to the first port 102. On the other hand, partition controller 110 may determine, for example, that a first electrical connector is inserted into a second port 104 and / or a third port 106, such as a cable or harness for a bicycle rack for charging an electric bicycle, and based on such sensor data, partition controller 110 may allow current to flow through output wire 105 to the second port 104 and / or the third port 106.

[0033] In some implementations, upon detecting that an electrical connector is connected to each of the first port 102 and the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106), the partition controller 110 may simultaneously supply current to each of the first port 102 and the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106) via wires 103 and 105. For example, the partition controller 110 may separate signals between the respective ports 102, 104, and 106.

[0034] Figure 1BA system 100 including an electric vehicle 101 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 101 may be an automobile (e.g., a two-door sedan, car, truck, SUV, bus), a motorcycle, an aircraft (e.g., a drone), a vessel (e.g., a boat), or any other type of vehicle, or any combination thereof. Figure 1A The partition controller 110 described herein can communicate with the first port 102, the second port 104, and the third port 106, as well as the sensor 114 and the vehicle controller 120. In some embodiments, the partition controller 110 can be implemented in a similar manner to the vehicle controller 120; for example, the partition controller 110 may similarly include the processor and memory described below, and / or other suitable components. In some embodiments, the partition controller 110 can be configured to control a sub-section of the vehicle 101 (e.g., to provide power to ports at the rear of the vehicle), and the vehicle controller 120 can control and communicate with a wider array of vehicle components.

[0035] The vehicle controller 120 may include a processor 109 and a memory 107. The processor 109 of the vehicle controller 120 may include a hardware processor, a software processor (e.g., a processor emulated using a virtual machine), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the combination of processor 109 and memory 107 may be referred to as the vehicle controller 120 of vehicle 101. In some embodiments, processor 109 alone may be referred to as the vehicle controller of vehicle 101. The memory 107 may include hardware elements for non-transitory storage of commands or instructions that, when executed by processor 109, cause processor 109 to operate vehicle 101 according to the embodiments discussed above and below. The vehicle controller 120 may be communicatively connected to components of vehicle 101 and system 100 via one or more wires or via a wireless connection. In some embodiments, memory 107 may be configured to store electronic data, computer software, or firmware, and may include random access memory, read-only memory, hard disk drive, optical drive, solid-state device, or any other suitable fixed or mobile storage device, and / or any combination thereof. Non-volatile memory may also be used (e.g., to start boot routines and other instructions). In some embodiments, the vehicle controller 120 may include or communicate with other processing circuitry in the vehicle 101 (e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 101 that may be configured to communicate with other parts of the vehicle 101 and perform various tasks).

[0036] In some embodiments, the vehicle may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., and may include multi-core processors. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller 120 may be distributed across multiple individual processors or processing units (e.g., multiple processing units of the same type or multiple different processors).

[0037] Vehicle controller 120 is communicatively connected to battery system 150, which is configured to supply power to one or more components of vehicle 101 during operation. In some embodiments, vehicle 101 may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. Battery system 150 may include one or more battery modules, such as a 180 kWh battery pack or a 135 kWh battery pack. Vehicle controller 120 may manage the flow of power to battery system 150 and any other suitable components (e.g., performing AC-to-DC conversion when the battery of vehicle 101 is charged with an AC charger). Vehicle controller 120 may be configured to manage current to supply power to ports 102, 104, and 106. Vehicle controller 120 may include or monitor, for example, electronic components (e.g., switches, busbars, resistors, capacitors), control circuitry (e.g., for controlling suitable electronic components), and measuring equipment (e.g., for measuring voltage, current, impedance, frequency, temperature, or another parameter).

[0038] The vehicle controller 120 may also include or communicate with communication circuitry 152 and input / output (I / O) circuitry 111. I / O circuitry 111 may be communicatively connected to a display 113, an input interface 114, and a speaker 112. The display 113 may be located at the dashboard of the vehicle 101 and / or at a head-up display on the windshield of the vehicle 101. For example, notifications regarding the detection of an electronic connector at one or more of ports 102, 104, or 106 may be generated for display and / or otherwise generated for output (e.g., audio notification via speaker 112). The display 113 may include an LCD display, an OLED display, an LED display, and / or any other type of display. Speaker 112 may be located anywhere within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 101, such as at the dashboard of the vehicle 101, or on the interior portion of a door. In some embodiments, tactile notifications may be provided to inform the operator and / or passengers of the electric vehicle 101 of the detection of an electrical connector at one or more of ports 102, 104, or 106. In some implementations, in addition to or in place of the display 113 and speaker 112 within the electric vehicle 101, the notification may be provided to the user device 154 (e.g., via wireless or wired communication to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet or key card).

[0039] In some implementations, the partition controller 110 may communicate with user equipment 154 (e.g., a mobile device, computer, key card, etc.) (e.g., via communication circuitry 152). Such a connection may be wired or wireless. In some implementations, communication circuitry 906 and / or user equipment 918 may communicate with server 156 (e.g., via communication network 155, such as the Internet and / or cellular telephone networks and / or satellite networks and / or any other suitable network or communication technology) to send or receive information about the type of ports 102, 104, or 106 and / or the electrical connectors inserted therein or to be inserted therein.

[0040] It should be understood that Figure 1B Only some components of vehicle 101 are shown, and it should be understood that vehicle 101 also includes other components commonly found in vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles), such as motors, brakes, wheels, wheel controls, turn signals, windows, doors, etc.

[0041] Figure 2 An exemplary user interface 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. UI 200 may be, for example, via vehicle controller 120 and / or I / O circuitry 111 (… Figure 1B Provided, for example, at a display 113 on vehicle 101 or via user equipment 154 Figure 1B ) display and / or Figure 1B User equipment 152. In some implementations, the configuration for controlling multiple output lines is further based on an indication that input has been received at UI 200 (e.g., at partition controller 110).

[0042] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, UI 200 may include UI elements 202, 204, and 206. UI elements 202 and 204 may indicate the type of ports on the rear exterior of vehicle 101, such as a 7-pin port for a US towing connection and a bicycle accessory port, respectively. In some embodiments, UI element 202 and / or UI element 204 may be optional to access additional information related to the port type, such as a pin assignment diagram or what functions are supported through the respective port (e.g., lights, charging). UI element 206 may indicate a specific port (e.g., Figures 1A to 1B The first port 102 is notified that an electrical connector is inserted therein, and the UI element 206 may be selectable to, for example, command the partition controller 110 to begin supplying power to such a first port 102. In some embodiments, auxiliary power may be toggled via the UI rather than enabled automatically; on the other hand, in some embodiments, auxiliary power may be enabled automatically for a specific port, for example, when an electrical connector is detected inserted into a specific port. In some embodiments, the pull port may be a factory-installed feature, and / or a 4-way pull port may be available via a harness adapter. In some embodiments, the partition controller 110 may automatically select the configuration for controlling multiple output leads based on the detection of an electrical connector inserted into one or more ports, without referring to whether UI input is received via UI 200.

[0043] Figure 3 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, in a dual-controller implementation, the partition controller 310 (which may correspond to partition controller 110) may include a right-hand partition controller 300 and a left-hand partition controller 302. For example, the right-hand partition controller 300 may be configured to control the right-hand side of the rear exterior of the vehicle, and the left-hand partition controller 302 may be configured to control current flow to the left-hand side of the rear exterior of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the right-hand partition controller 300 and the left-hand partition controller 302 may be different parts (e.g., different sides) of the same partition controller 310.

[0044] The partition controller right side 300 and partition controller left side 302 may include a plurality of pins or electrical contacts configured to provide signals to corresponding pins of one or more ports of the vehicle 101. 313 illustrates the function of each pin of a port implemented according to the SAE J2863 standard for a 7-way US trailer port 312 (which in some embodiments may correspond to the first port 102). 315 illustrates the function of each pin of a port implemented according to the ISO11446 standard for a 13-way EU trailer port 314 (which in some embodiments may correspond to the first port 102). In some embodiments, the partition controller 310 may determine whether an electrical connector is inserted into a particular port (and / or the type of electrical connector and / or the type of connected accessory) based on, for example, a resistance measurement at the 7-way US trailer port 312 or the 13-way EU trailer port 314. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes only one of the 7-way US trailer port 312 or the 13-way EU trailer port 314, and bicycle port accessories (e.g., Figure 4 The cargo box 320, bicycle ports 318 and 324, bicycle port receivers 316 and 422) or other suitable accessories can be connected to the vehicle simultaneously, wherein power can be supplied to each accessory connected to the traction port and the bicycle port.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the High Side Detection (HSD) left light (taillight) element of the right side of the zone controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps of current) to pin G (left parking / turn) of the 7-to-US trailer port 312 (which may correspond to the first port 102 in some embodiments), or in the EU specific implementation, to the 13-to-EU trailer port 314 (which may correspond to the first port 102 in some embodiments), and the HSD (left light) can provide a signal to pin 1 (left turn signal). The HSD (customer-available power output) of the right side of the zone controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 25 amps) to pin E (auxiliary power) of the 7-to-US trailer port 312 or pins 9 (switch power) and 10 (battery power (thermal)) of the 13-to-US trailer port 314. The HSD (reverse taillight) element of controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to pin A (reverse taillight) of 7-to-US trailer port 312 or pin 8 (reverse taillight) of 13-to-EU trailer port 314. The HSD (EU fog light) element of the right side of the zone controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to pin 2 (fog light) of 13-to-EU trailer port 314.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, the HSD right taillight element of the left side 302 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to pin D (right turn / parking turn) of the 7-to-US trailer port 312, or a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to pin 4 (right turn taillight) of the 13-to-EU trailer port 314. The left side 302 of the zone controller can provide a signal (16A) from the dedicated HSD (trailer brake) element to pin C (electric brake) of the 7-to-US trailer port 312, or a signal (16A) to pin 6 (parking light) of the 13-to-EU trailer port 314. The left side 302 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the HSD (parking light) to pin F (parking light / driving light) of the 7-to-US trailer port 312, or a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the HSD (parking light) to pins 7 (left taillight) and 5 (right taillight) of the 13-to-EU trailer port 314.

[0047] The HSD (Left Light) element on the right side of the zone controller 300 provides a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the left parking / steering element of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The HSD (Parking Light) element on the left side of the zone controller 302 provides a signal (e.g., 10 amps) to the taillight pin of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The HSD (Reverse Light) element on the right side of the zone controller 300 provides a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the reverse light pin of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The HSD (EU Fog Light) element provides a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the fog light pin of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The HSD (Customer Available Power Output) element on the right side of the zone controller 300 provides a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the auxiliary power pin of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The Accessory Identification Input (AIN) element on the left side of the zone controller 302 provides a signal (e.g., 12V pull-up) to the ID pin of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316. The components of the bicycle port receiver (left) 316 can communicate with the corresponding components of the bicycle port (left) 318, which in turn can communicate with the corresponding part of the cargo box 320.

[0048] The right side of the zone controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the HSD (Right Light) element to the right parking / turn pin of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322. The right side of the zone controller 300 can also provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the HSD (Parking Light) element to the taillight pin of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322. The HSD (Reverse Light) element of the right side of the zone controller 300 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the reverse light pin of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322. The HSD (EU Fog Light) element can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) to the fog light pin of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322. The accessory identification input (AIN) element of the left side of the zone controller 302 can provide a signal (e.g., 12V pull-up) to the ID pin of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322. The components of the bicycle port receiver (right) 322 can communicate with corresponding components of the bicycle port (left) 324, and certain components of the bicycle port (left) (e.g., right parking / steering components and grounding components) can communicate with corresponding components of the cargo box 320.

[0049] The 7-port US trailer port 312 provides voltage from 9.0V to 16.0V and delivers 360W of power, while the 13-port EU trailer port 314 provides voltage from 9.0V to 16.0V. Electric bicycle racks (e.g., 316, 318, 322, 324) provide voltage from 9.0V to 16.0V and deliver 300W of power.

[0050] In some embodiments, the HSD left lamp element of the right side 300 of the zone controller may have a steady-state current of 5 amps, wherein the illumination provided via the left lamp should not exceed the steady-state current. The HSD left lamp element of the right side 300 of the zone controller can be used to assist in performing detection of whether a trailer is inserted into the towing port. In some embodiments, the HSD left lamp element of the right side 300 of the zone controller may be configured to handle resistive or capacitive loads and may allow inrush capability (e.g., if the trailer light is an LED or incandescent bulb with a similar inrush effect). In some embodiments, the HSD left lamp element of the right side 300 of the zone controller may provide reverse-feed protection, provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle, and may be controlled by the right side 300 of the zone controller or any other suitable part of the zone controller 310.

[0051] In some embodiments, the HSD right lamp element of the left side 302 of the zone controller may have a steady-state current of 5 amps, wherein the illumination provided via the left lamp should not exceed the steady-state current. The HSD right lamp element can be used to assist in performing detection of whether a trailer is inserted into the towing port. In some embodiments, the HSD right lamp element of the left side 302 of the zone controller may be configured to handle resistive or capacitive loads and may allow inrush capability (e.g., if the trailer light is an LED or incandescent bulb with a similar inrush effect). In some embodiments, the HSD right lamp element of the right side 300 of the zone controller may provide reverse-feed protection, provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle, and may be controlled by the left side 302 of the zone controller or any other suitable part of the zone controller 310.

[0052] In some embodiments, the HSD reverse light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may have a steady-state current of 5 amps, wherein illumination provided via the left light should not exceed the steady-state current. The HSD reverse light can be used to assist in performing detection of whether a trailer is inserted into the towing port. In some embodiments, the HSD reverse light on the right side of the zone controller 300 may be configured to handle resistive or capacitive loads and may allow inrush capability (e.g., if the trailer light is an LED or incandescent bulb with a similar inrush effect). In some embodiments, the HSD reverse light on the right side of the zone controller 300 may provide reverse-feed protection, provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle, and may be controlled by the right side of the zone controller 300 or any other suitable part of the zone controller 310.

[0053] In some embodiments, the HSD parking light element on the left side of the zone controller 302 may have a steady-state current of 5 amps, wherein illumination provided via the left light should not exceed the steady-state current. The HSD parking light element on the left side of the zone controller 302 can be used to assist in performing detection of whether a trailer is inserted into the towing port. In some embodiments, the HSD parking light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may be configured to handle resistive or capacitive loads and may allow inrush capability (e.g., if the trailer light is an LED or incandescent bulb with a similar inrush effect). In some embodiments, the HSD parking light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may provide reverse-feed protection, provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking, and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle, and may be controlled via the left side of the zone controller 302 or any other suitable part of the zone controller 310.

[0054] In some embodiments, the HSD fog light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may have a steady-state current of 5 amps, wherein illumination provided via the left light should not exceed the steady-state current. The HSD fog light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 can be used to assist in performing detection of whether a trailer is inserted into the towing port. In some embodiments, the HSD fog light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may be configured to handle resistive or capacitive loads and may allow inrush capability (e.g., if the trailer light is an LED or incandescent bulb with a similar inrush effect). In some embodiments, the HSD fog light element on the right side of the zone controller 300 may provide reverse-feed protection, provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking, and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle, and may be controlled via the left side of the zone controller 302 or any other suitable portion of the zone controller 310.

[0055] In some implementations, the HSD / Dedicated (Trailer Brake) circuit on the left side of the partition controller 302 can be used for at least two different functions, depending on the EU and US trailer port configuration. In the US configuration, the circuit can be used as a brake controller to control trailer brakes on up to two axles. In the EU, the circuit can be reused to provide power to the parking lights. The EU parking lights have lower power requirements and therefore may require i2t, depending on the wire size used in the EU trailer traction harness. The HSD / Dedicated (Trailer Brake) circuit may have a steady-state current of 16A for the US trailer brake and a steady-state current of 5A for the EU parking lights. In some implementations, pulse width modulation (PWM) can be used in the US implementation to modulate the gain / power of the trailer brake. The EU parking lights may use PWM set to 100%. The HSD / Dedicated trailer brake can be used to assist in performing trailer detection and can be used to determine the presence of a trailer brake in the US configuration (which can be indicated on the UI). The EU parking lights can use 5A, and depending on the harness selected, additional i2t requirements may be utilized. HSD / Dedicated (Trailer Brake) load types may include 3 brake sets per axle and can provide parking, trailer towing, dynamic driving, braking and / or other suitable functionality for the towed vehicle.

[0056] The AIN of the left side of the partition controller 302 can utilize, for example, a sampling rate of 1 Hz, because the signal detecting the presence of electrical connectors can be static, and the AIN of the left side of the partition controller 302 can have the ability to detect different accessory connections. In some embodiments, the AIN of the left side of the partition controller 302 can employ a wetting current of 2 mA. Device identification of the bicycle port / cargo compartment can be received by one or more of the bicycle port receivers 316 and 322. In some embodiments, a trailer port adapter can be used instead of the bicycle port receiver; for example, Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) and / or Connector Position Assurance (CPA) can be employed, or a specific Ingress Protection (IP) connector rating can be employed, and device identification can be performed based on, for example, current measurements.

[0057] In some implementations, if a single ground return line on a port exceeds 40 amps, the priority order for load shedding until the return line returns to less than 30A (to enable the braking circuit to function again) can be as follows: auxiliary power, taillight / parking light, reverse light, right turn signal / parking light, left turn signal / parking light, and braking power. In some implementations, auxiliary reverse polarity checking can be implemented using an HSD with a diode or ideal MOSFET, or an HSD with a fuse.

[0058] Figure 4 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the US traction port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, partition controller 410 may include partition controller right side 400 and partition controller left side 402. In some embodiments, partition controller 410 may correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller 310, with the partition controller 400 on the right side corresponding to... Figure 3 The partition controller on the right side 300, and the partition controller on the left side 402, can correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller is located on the left side, 302.

[0059] The right side 400 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the left parking and turn signal element (US) to pin 1 (left parking / turn signal pin) of J011 US traction 412. The right side 400 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 16 amps) from the electric brake element (US) to pin 3 (electric brake pin) of J011 US traction 412. The right side 400 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the taillight element (US) to pin 6 (taillight pin) of J011 US traction 412.

[0060] The right side 402 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the right parking and turn signal element (US) to pin 4 (right parking / turn signal) of J011 US traction 412. The right side 402 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 25 amps, not blown) from the auxiliary power / foot start element (US) to pin 5 (auxiliary power pin) of J011 US traction 412. The right side 402 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the reverse light element (US) to pin 7 (reverse light pin) of J011 US traction 412.

[0061] Figure 5 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the EU traction port of the vehicle according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5 As shown, partition controller 510 may include partition controller right side 500 and partition controller left side 502. In some embodiments, partition controller 510 may correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller 310, and the partition controller right side 500 can correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller on the right side 300, and the partition controller on the left side 502, can correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller is located on the left side, 302.

[0062] The right side 500 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the left turn signal element (EU) to pin 1 (left turn signal) of J024 EU traction 512. The right side 500 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the right taillight element (EU) to pin 4 (right taillight pin) of J024 EU traction 512. The right side 500 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the left taillight element (EU) to pin 7 (left taillight pin) of J024 EU traction 512. The right side 500 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the brake light element (EU) to pin 6 (parking light) of J024 EU traction 512.

[0063] The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the right turn signal element to pin 4 (right parking / turn signal pin) of J024 EU traction 512. The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 25 amps, not blown) from the auxiliary power / kick-start element to pins 9 and 10 of J024 EU traction 512 (battery (12V hot) and switch power pins, respectively). The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the reverse light element to pin 8 (reverse light pin) of J024 EU traction 512. The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the fog light element to pin 2 (rear fog light pin) of J024 EU traction 512.

[0064] The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the tow bar: motor + element (EU) to the tow bar: A107 EU tow bar 514. The left side 502 of the zone controller can also provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the tow bar: Hall signal + (EU) to the tow bar: A107 EU tow bar 514 motor - element (EU). The left side 502 of the zone controller can receive a signal (e.g., 0.5 amps) from the tow bar: Hall signal + (EU) to the tow bar: A107 EU tow bar 514 motor - element (EU). The tow bar: Hall signal ground (EU) can be connected to the tow bar: A107 EU tow bar 514 Hall signal ground (EU). The left side 502 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 0.5 amps) between the tow bar: safety switch pole (EU) and the tow bar: A107 EU tow bar 514 safety switch pole (EU). The safety switch NO (EU) element of the left side of the tow bar: zone controller 502 can receive a signal (e.g., 0.5 amps) from the safety switch NO (EU) element A107 EU tow bar 514, and the safety switch NC (EU) element of the left side of the tow bar: zone controller 502 can receive a signal (e.g., 0.5 amps) from the safety switch NC (EU) element A107 EU tow bar 514.

[0065] Figure 6 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and a bicycle parking rack according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 6 As shown, partition controller 610 may include partition controller right side 600 and partition controller left side 602. In some embodiments, partition controller 610 may correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller 310, with the partition controller right side 600 corresponding to... Figure 3 The partition controller on the right side 300, and the partition controller on the left side 602, can correspond to Figure 3The partition controller is located on the left side, 302. (For example...) Figure 6 As shown, tray receivers 612 and 614 can provide interfaces between the partition controller 610 and the bicycle parking rack adapters 616 and 618, respectively. For example, tray receivers 612 and 614 can be plugged into corresponding ports on a vehicle.

[0066] In a specific US implementation, the right side 600 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 5 amps) from the left parking and turn signal elements to the turn / parking light elements of the left tray 614; the right side 600 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 10 amps) from the taillight elements to the taillight elements of the right tray 612 and the taillight elements of the left tray 614; the left side 602 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 5 amps) from the right parking and turn signal elements to the turn / parking light elements of the right tray 612; the left side 602 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 25A, not blown) from the auxiliary power / pedal start element to the auxiliary power (e.g., 22A) element of the right tray 612; the left side 602 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 5A) from the reverse light elements of the right tray 612 and the left tray 614; and the left side 602 of the partition controller can receive an identification signal (e.g., from the bicycle parking rack adapter 616) from the ID pin of the right tray 612.

[0067] In the specific implementation of the EU, the right side 600 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the left turn signal element to the turn / parking light element of the left tray 614; the right side 600 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from the right taillight element to the taillight element of the right tray 612 and the taillight element of the left tray 614; the left side 602 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the right turn signal element to the turn / parking light element of the right tray 612; the left side 602 of the zone controller can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from the auxiliary power supply of the right tray 612. A force (e.g., 22A) element provides a signal (e.g., 25A, not blown) from an auxiliary power / pedal start element; the left side of the zone controller 602 can provide a signal (e.g., 5A) from the reversing light elements of the right tray 612 and the left tray 614; the left side of the zone controller 602 can provide a signal (e.g., 5A) from the fog light elements of the right tray 612; and the left side of the zone controller 602 can receive an identification signal (e.g., from the ID pin of the right tray 612, or from the bicycle parking rack adapter 616).

[0068] like Figure 6As shown, corresponding elements or pins of the right tray 612 and the left tray 614 can be connected to corresponding pins of the bicycle rack pole adapter 616 and the bicycle rack pole adapter 618, respectively. This may allow power to be supplied to the bicycle rack pole adapters 616 and 618, for example, to provide turn / parking lights and taillights, reversing lights, and / or other functionality. This may be advantageous, for example, if the bicycle rack at least partially obscures the taillights of the vehicle to which it is connected and mounted.

[0069] Figure 7 An exemplary signaling path between the controller of a vehicle and the cargo box is shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 7 As shown, partition controller 710 may include partition controller right side 700 and partition controller left side 702. In some embodiments, partition controller 710 may correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller 310, with the right side 700 corresponding to... Figure 3 The partition controller on the right side 300, and the partition controller on the left side 702, can correspond to Figure 3 The partition controller is located on the left side, 302. (For example...) Figure 7 As shown, pallet receivers 712 and 714 can provide an interface between the partition controller 710 and the cargo box 716. For example, pallet receivers 712 and 714 can be plugged into corresponding ports of a vehicle.

[0070] In a specific US implementation, the right side 700 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 5 amps) from the left parking and turn signal elements to the turn / parking light elements of the left pallet 714; the right side 700 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 10 amps) from the taillight elements of the pallet receivers 712 and 714 respectively; the left side 702 of the partition controller can provide signals from the right parking and turn signal elements to the turn / parking light elements of the pallet receiver 712; the left side 702 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 22A) from its auxiliary power / pedal start element to the auxiliary power (e.g., 25A, not blown) element of the right pallet 712; the left side 702 of the partition controller can provide signals (e.g., 5A) from the reversing light elements of the right pallet 712 and the left pallet 714 respectively; and the left side 702 of the partition controller can receive an identification signal (e.g., from the cargo box 716) from the ID pin of the right pallet 712.

[0071] In the specific implementation of the EU, the right side of the zone controller 700 can provide a signal (e.g., 5 amps) from its left turn signal element to the turn / parking light element of the left tray 714; the right side of the zone controller 700 can provide a signal (e.g., 10 amps) from its right taillight element to the taillight elements of the tray receivers 712 and 714; the left side of the zone controller 702 can provide a signal from its right turn signal element to the turn / parking light element of the tray receiver 712; the left side of the zone controller 702 can provide auxiliary power (e.g., 5 amps) to the right tray 712. For example, a 22A component provides a signal from its auxiliary power / pedal start component (e.g., 25A, not blown); the left side of the partition controller 702 can provide a signal from its reversing light component to the reversing light component of the right tray 712 and the left tray 714 (e.g., 5A); the left side of the partition controller 702 can provide a signal from its fog light component to the fog light component of the right tray 712 (e.g., 5 amps); and the left side of the partition controller 702 can receive an identification signal (e.g., from the ID pin of the right tray 712, or from the cargo box 716).

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, corresponding elements or pins of the right-side tray 712 can be connected to corresponding pins of the cargo box 716. For example, this may allow power to be supplied to the cargo box 716, for example, to provide turn / parking lights, reversing lights, and taillights and / or other functionality. This may be advantageous, for example, if the cargo box at least partially obscures the taillights of the vehicle to which it is connected and mounted.

[0073] Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, process 800 may be, for example... Figures 1A to 1B Partition controller 110 Figure 3 Partition controller 310, Figure 4 Partition controller 410, Figure 5 Partition controller 510, Figure 6 Partition controller 610 and / or Figure 7 The partition controller 710 executes.

[0074] At 802, the partition controller 110 detects whether an electrical connector is inserted into a first port 102 and other ports (e.g., a second port 104 and / or a third port 106) of the vehicle 101. For example, receiving ports and accessories may include electrical terminals that engage with each other when the accessory is attached to the port (e.g., via an electrical connector). In some embodiments, the partition controller 110 includes multiple output leads, at least one of which is connected to the first port 102 and other ports (e.g., a second port 104 and / or a third port 106). For example, the traction port 102 and bicycle accessory ports 104 and 106 may share a common circuit. The partition controller 110 may be configured to interface between different standards, such as a US 7-pin traction port and an EU 13-pin traction port. In some embodiments, the output leads may correspond to… Figures 3 to 7 Any suitable combination of the wires shown.

[0075] The partition controller 110 of vehicle 101 can be configured to detect, for example, when the electrical connector engages with an electrical terminal based on an electrical signal measured from the electrical terminal. Figures 1A to 1B The first port 102, the second port 104, and / or the third port 106 engage or disengage. In some embodiments, more than one electrical terminal or pin of the electrical connector may contact the corresponding electrical terminal of the port. For example, using multiple electrical contacts (e.g., 7 pins in the case of a US pull port) allows the circuit to complete, thereby providing electrical feedback for engagement / disengagement. In some embodiments, the type of accessory and / or electrical connector may be detected by the partition controller 110 based on measured electrical signals, for example, based on resistance measurements corresponding to a particular type of accessory and / or electrical connector, and / or based on signals received at the identification pin (AIN). In some embodiments, one or more electrical terminals may contact the corresponding electrical terminal of the port only when the plug is fully inserted or otherwise connected. For example, electrical terminals and corresponding electrical terminals may align and contact only when the plug is fully inserted.

[0076] In some implementations, port 102 may have a different form factor than ports 104 and 106. For example, an electrical connector that can be (e.g., properly shaped and sized) inserted into the first port 102 may not be able to be inserted into the second port. Figures 1A to 1B Electrical connectors that can be inserted into the second port 104 and / or the third port 106 (e.g., properly shaped and sized) may not be inserted into the first port 102. In some embodiments, one or more of such ports 102, 104, and 106 may have the same or similar shape factors.

[0077] At 803, if no electrical connector is detected (at 802) inserted into the first port 102 or other ports (e.g., the second port 104 or the third port 106), the controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 120) may cause the UI 200 to output an indication that no electrical connector is inserted into any port of the vehicle 101.

[0078] At 804, based on the detection at 802, the partition controller 110 detects whether the first port 102 has an electrical connector inserted therein; if so, the process proceeds to 806; otherwise, the process proceeds to 814. At 806, after detecting that an electrical connector is inserted into the first port 102, the partition controller 110 may further detect whether the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106) has an electrical connector inserted therein. If so, the process may proceed to 810; otherwise, the process may proceed to 812.

[0079] At 810, after detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port 102 and other ports (e.g., the second port 104 and / or the third port 106), the controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 120) can cause the UI 200 to output an indication that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port and such other ports, and the process can proceed to 816. At 812, after detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port, but the electrical connector is not inserted into other ports (e.g., the second port and / or the third port), the controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 120) can cause the UI 200 to output an indication that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port, and the process can proceed to 816. At 814, after detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the second port and / or the third port (but not the first port), the controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 120) can cause the UI 200 to output an indication that the electrical connector is inserted into the second port, and the process can proceed to 816.

[0080] At point 816, the partition controller 110 can determine whether it has been... Figure 2 The UI 200 receives a user input requesting to supply power to one or more of ports 102, 104, and / or 106 that have been detected as having an electrical connector inserted therein. In some implementations, 816 (or Figure 8 Other steps, such as steps 810, 812 and 814 related to providing output via the UI, may be optional. For example, the UI may not be provided, or user input may not be requested or received via the UI 200 before performing the processing indicated at step 818, or step 818 may be performed automatically regardless of input received from the user or output provided via the UI.

[0081] Based on the detections at 802 to 814, and optionally the UI input at 816, the partition controller 110 can select the configuration for controlling multiple output leads based on the detections and user input. For example, if the electrical connector is detected only as inserted into the first port 102, the partition controller 110 can allow current to flow via the electrical connector to the accessory connected to the first port 102. As another example, if the electrical connector is detected only as inserted into the second port 104 and / or the third port 106, the partition controller 110 can allow current to flow to the second port 104 and / or the third port 106. As yet another example, if the electrical connector is inserted into the first port 102 and other ports (e.g., the second port 104 and the third port 106), the partition controller 110 can allow current to flow to the first port 102, and can also allow current to flow to the second port 104 and the third port. In some embodiments, current flows to each of the ports, regardless of the detection, for example, based on ports sharing a common circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple output leads may be connected to the first port and may not be connected to the second and third ports to selectively supply current to the first port while not supplying such current to the second and third ports.

[0082] Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, process 900 may be, for example... Figures 1A to 1B Partition controller 110 Figure 3 Partition controller 310, Figure 4 Partition controller 410, Figure 5 Partition controller 510, Figure 6 Partition controller 610 and / or Figure 7 The partition controller 710 executes.

[0083] At 902, the partition controller 110 can detect whether the electrical connector is inserted into (e.g., engaged with) a first port 102 or a second port 104 and / or 106 of the vehicle 101. Such detection can be based on electrical signals measured from electrical terminals. In some embodiments, more than one electrical terminal or pin of the electrical connector can contact the corresponding electrical terminal of the port. For example, using multiple (e.g., 7 pins in the case of a US traction port) electrical contacts allows the circuit to complete, thereby providing electrical feedback for engagement / disengagement. In some embodiments, the type of accessory and / or electrical connector can be detected by the partition controller 110 based on the measured electrical signals, for example, based on resistance measurements corresponding to a particular type of accessory and / or electrical connector, and / or based on signals received at the identification pin (AIN). In some embodiments, one or more electrical terminals can contact the corresponding electrical terminal of the port only when the plug is fully inserted or otherwise connected. For example, electrical terminals and corresponding electrical terminals can be aligned and contacted only when the plug is fully inserted.

[0084] In some implementations, port 102 may have a different form factor than ports 104 and 106. For example, an electrical connector that can be (e.g., properly shaped and sized) inserted into the first port 102 may not be able to be inserted into the second port. Figures 1A to 1B Electrical connectors that can be inserted into the second port 104 and / or the third port 106 (e.g., properly shaped and sized) may not be inserted into the first port 102. In some embodiments, one or more of such ports 102, 104, and 106 may have the same or similar shape factors.

[0085] At 904, the partition controller 110 can select the configuration of multiple output wires 103 and 105 for controlling the vehicle 101 based on the detection at 902. For example, the partition controller 110 can determine, for example, that a first electrical connector is inserted into a first port 102, such as a cable or harness connected to a trailer to be towed by the vehicle 101, and based on such sensor data, the partition controller 110 can allow current to flow through the output wire 105 to the first port 102. On the other hand, the partition controller 110 can determine, for example, that a first electrical connector is inserted into a second port 104 and / or a third port 106, such as a cable or harness for a bicycle rack for charging an electric bicycle, and based on such sensor data, the partition controller 110 can allow current to flow through the output wire 105 to the second port 104 and / or the third port 106.

[0086] In some implementations, upon detecting that an electrical connector is connected to each of the first port 102 and the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106), the partition controller 110 may simultaneously supply current to each of the first port 102 and the second port 104 (and / or the third port 106) via wires 103 and 105. For example, the partition controller 110 may separate signals between the respective ports 102, 104, and 106.

[0087] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the principles of this disclosure, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The above embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. This disclosure may also take many forms other than those expressly described herein. Therefore, it should be emphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus, but is intended to include variations and modifications thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: A first port, located outside the vehicle, wherein the first port has a first shape factor; A second port, located outside the vehicle, wherein the second port has a second shape factor different from the first shape factor; and A controller comprising a plurality of output wires, wherein at least one of the plurality of output wires is connected to the first port and the second port, and wherein the controller is configured to: Detect whether the electrical connector is inserted into the first port or the second port; as well as The configuration for controlling the multiple output wires is selected based on the detection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: In response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port and based on the selected configuration, current flows through at least one of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the first port.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first port is a 7-pin traction port.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first port is a 13-pin traction port.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: In response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the second port and based on the selected configuration, current flows through at least one of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the second port.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second port is a bicycle accessory port.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first port and the second port are located on the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: A third port, the third port being located on the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the second port is a left-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle, and the third port is a right-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The controller includes a left controller and a right controller; The left-side controller is configured to allow current to flow via a first of the plurality of output leads to the left-hand side of the attachment relative to the rear of the vehicle; and The right-side controller is configured to allow current to flow via a second of the plurality of output wires to the right-hand side of the accessory relative to the rear of the vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to detecting that a first electrical connector is inserted into the first port and a second electrical connector is inserted into the second port, and based on a selected configuration, such that: Current flows through the first wire of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the first port; and The current flows through the second wire of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the second port.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: Receive instructions on input received via the user interface; and The configuration is further selected based on the received instruction on the input.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second port is a cargo container.

13. A method, the method comprising: The detection function determines whether the electrical connector is inserted into the first port of the vehicle or the second port of the vehicle, wherein: The first port is located outside the vehicle and has a first shape factor; The second port is located outside the vehicle, and the second port has a second shape factor different from the first shape factor; The vehicle includes a controller, which includes multiple output wires; and At least one of the plurality of output wires is connected to the first port and the second port; and The configuration for controlling the multiple output wires is selected based on the detection.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: In response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the first port and based on the selected configuration, current flows through at least one of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the first port.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first port is a 7-pin traction port.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first port is a 13-pin traction port.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: In response to detecting that the electrical connector is inserted into the second port and based on the selected configuration, current flows through at least one of the plurality of output wires to the accessory connected to the second port.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the second port is a bicycle accessory port.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the first port and the second port are located on the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the vehicle further comprises a third port located on the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the second port is a left-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle, and the third port is a right-hand bicycle accessory port at the rear of the exterior of the vehicle.

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