In-Vehicle Accessory Power Control for Intuitive Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle power supply systems require cumbersome operations to start the accessory power supply system without causing the vehicle to travel, making it difficult for users to intuitively utilize in-vehicle devices like navigation or multimedia systems.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle device with an operation element and a controller that outputs a signal to supply power to the vehicle's accessory power supply system when the operation element is activated, allowing users to power on the system without using the main switch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the main switch is used to start the accessory power supply system, then the vehicle system can be powered on, but the operation becomes cumbersome and the vehicle may unintentionally travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply control into two independent paths: one through the main switch for full vehicle system activation, and another through the operation element on the in-vehicle device for accessory-only power supply. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate power mode without risking unintended vehicle travel, while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the main switch is used to power on the accessory power supply system, then power can be supplied, but the operation is not intuitive and requires starting the main system

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintuitivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The in-vehicle device is equipped with its own operation element that can independently control accessory power supply without requiring the main switch. This self-service capability allows the device to power itself and associated accessories directly, providing intuitive operation while avoiding the complexity of main system startup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the main switch is used to start the accessory power supply system, then all systems are powered on, but it prevents using in-vehicle devices without starting the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply into two distinct modes: accessory-only mode activated by the operation element, and full vehicle mode activated by the main switch. This segmentation enables flexible energy management where users can consume minimal energy by activating only necessary accessories, or consume more energy when full vehicle functionality is required, without forcing unnecessary system startup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12233792B2In-vehicle device and control method
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12233792B2 patent drawing
  • US12233792B2 patent drawing
  • US12233792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An in-vehicle device that provides a predetermined function to a passenger of a vehicle, the in-vehicle device comprises an operation element that is a hardware interface; and a controller comprising at least one processor configured to perform output a signal for supplying power to an accessory power supply system of the vehicle, in a case where operation is performed on the operation element.