Programmable Vehicle Connection Ports for Threshold-Based Accessory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack programmable connection ports that allow users to customize and automate the operation of accessories based on specific thresholds, such as battery level, temperature, or environmental conditions, limiting customization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating programmable connection ports electrically coupled to a vehicle's battery and an electronic controller that receives user control signals from input devices or remote devices, allowing selective operation of these ports based on defined thresholds, such as battery level, temperature, or weight thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional USB plugs and 12V ports are used for mounting accessories, then basic power supply function is provided, but customization capability and automation control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection port is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect accessory presence automatically, provide power supply, enable bidirectional communication, and allow user programming of operational thresholds. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single port adaptable to various accessory types and control requirements without requiring separate specialized ports for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The port's operational characteristics are made dynamic and programmable rather than fixed. Users can configure thresholds for battery level, temperature, and other parameters that dynamically control when the port activates or deactivates power to accessories. This dynamic capability enables customization without adding physical complexity to the port structure.
2Extent of automation
If accessories are controlled by simple plug/unplug operation, then ease of operation is maintained, but automation and threshold-based control are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the port automatically monitors parameters such as battery level and temperature, compares them against user-programmed thresholds, and autonomously activates or deactivates power to accessories without requiring manual user intervention. This maintains ease of operation while achieving high automation, as the port serves itself after initial programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The port incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring operational parameters (battery voltage, temperature, current draw) and using this feedback to automatically adjust power delivery based on pre-set thresholds. This feedback loop enables automation control while keeping the user interface simple, as the complex decision-making is handled automatically based on sensor feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable connection ports are added to enable customization, then adaptability and control capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated connection port: power delivery, data communication for programming, parameter sensing (battery level, temperature), and automated control logic. This consolidation achieves high adaptability and programmability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the port handles multiple functions through integrated circuitry rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection port is designed as a universal interface that can work with various types of accessories (auxiliary lights, refrigerators, CB radios, air compressors) while providing programmable control capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the same port structure to serve diverse purposes through software/configuration programming rather than requiring hardware variations for each accessory type.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a battery, one or more programmable connection ports electrically coupled to the battery, and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the one or more programmable connection ports. The electronic controller receives a user control signal from a user input device communicatively coupled to the electronic controller, wherein the user control signal indicates a threshold of operation, and selectively operates the one or more programmable connection ports in response to the threshold of operation indicated by the user control signal from the user input device.