Smart Power Outlet System with Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive power outlets lack advanced control and monitoring capabilities, leading to potential overloads and tripped circuit protection devices, which can disrupt electrical systems without user intervention or feedback.
Innovation Solution
A smart power outlet system with a control module that manages multiple power sources, displays user inputs, and includes resettable circuit protection devices, high side drivers with overload monitoring, and user-interactive interfaces to manage power distribution and reset conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional power outlets are used without advanced control capabilities, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks user control and monitoring, leading to potential overloads and electrical disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control module that continuously monitors power outlet status, circuit protection device states, and overload conditions, then provides real-time feedback to the user through a display interface. This enables users to see the status of each power outlet and take appropriate actions, directly addressing the lack of user control and monitoring in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: monitoring power outlet status, detecting overload conditions, controlling circuit protection devices, displaying real-time information, and providing user interfaces for control. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional module, the patent adds capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If circuit protection devices are installed to prevent overloads, then the reliability of the electrical system is improved, but the system may trip and disrupt power without user intervention or feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the state of each circuit protection device and immediately communicates tripped status to the user through the display. This feedback loop ensures users are informed of protection device activation and can take appropriate actions, eliminating the information loss that occurs in traditional systems where tripped outlets go unnoticed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-diagnostic capabilities by automatically detecting when a circuit protection device has tripped and communicating this information to the user without requiring manual inspection. The control module autonomously monitors system state and provides information about the condition of each power outlet and protection device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are available for power outlets, then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the complexity of managing and selecting between power sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed to manage multiple power sources (battery, alternator, external power) and route power to multiple outlets based on user selection and system conditions. This multi-functional power management capability provides versatility without requiring separate control systems for each power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between multiple power sources and multiple power outlets, intelligently routing power flow based on user preferences and system conditions. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity of managing multiple power sources by providing a centralized control point that handles all power distribution decisions.
4Measurement precision
If high side drivers are used to control power outlets, then the precision of power control is improved, but the risk of overload conditions that require monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors current draw from each power outlet controlled by high side drivers and compares it against safe operating limits. When an overload condition is detected, the system provides feedback to the user and can automatically take corrective action, transforming the overload risk into a managed condition through continuous monitoring and user notification.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart power outlet system for a vehicle has a power outlet control module and a plurality of power outlets. Each power outlet has an associated set of power switching devices with each power switching device of a set of power switching devices coupled to a different power source. The power outlet control module drives a display and is responsive to user input via the display. The power outlet control module energizes one of the power switching devices in each set of power switching devices corresponding to a power source selected by a user via the display to provide power to the power outlet associated with that set of power switching devices from the power source selected by the user.