Micro-grid Smart Output Adaptor for Vehicle Electrical Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid and electric vehicles face complexity and increased costs due to the need for multiple voltage and current converters and connectors to power different external electrical loads, which complicates the vehicle micro-grid system and increases design costs.
Innovation Solution
A smart output adaptor system that includes a reconfigurable converter and adaptors capable of adjusting output voltage and current to match different electrical loads, with built-in safety features like GFCI and circuit breaker protection, allowing for easy serviceability and communication with the converter to manage various electrical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage and current converters and connectors are used to power different external electrical loads, then the vehicle can support diverse electrical configurations, but the system complexity and design costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal converter design that can output multiple voltage and current configurations (120V/15A, 120V/20A, 250V/15A, 250V/50A, 208V/20A) through a single device. The converter uses a unified IEC 60320 C19 receptacle and intelligent control system to adapt to different electrical loads, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated converters and connectors while maintaining full electrical configuration compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The converter employs dynamic switching mechanisms with solid-state relays and intelligent control circuits that can real-time adjust output voltage and current based on the connected load requirements. The system dynamically selects the appropriate electrical configuration through microprocessor control, allowing a single static converter to provide multiple dynamic output states without requiring multiple fixed converters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters and connectors are installed to handle different plug types, then all electrical loads can be powered, but the installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter uses a universal IEC 60320 C19 receptacle that accepts multiple plug types (NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-15, NEMA 14-50, etc.) through a single interface design. This unified connector approach eliminates the need for installing and maintaining multiple specialized connectors, significantly improving serviceability while maintaining broad plug type compatibility through adaptive electrical configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters are used to provide different voltage outputs, then various electrical loads can be powered appropriately, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate converters (120V converter, 250V converter, 208V converter) into a single integrated converter unit. The unified design shares common components including the IEC 60320 C19 receptacle, control circuitry, and housing, while using solid-state relays to switch between different voltage output configurations. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining the ability to provide diverse voltage outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes a converter configured to, responsive to a first signal from a first adaptor indicating a first plug type having a first electrical parameter configuration, output power to the adaptor according to the first electrical parameter configuration, and responsive to a second signal from a second adaptor indicating a second plug type having a second electrical parameter configuration, output power to the adaptor according to the second configuration.