Vehicle Outlet Current Control via Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical outlets in vehicles can experience excessive heating due to bad connections, leading to potential damage from melting or burning, which existing technologies fail to adequately address by controlling the electric current delivery based on temperature.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes an electric machine, an outlet, and a controller, where temperature sensors monitor the outlet temperature and adjust or inhibit the delivery of electric current from the electric machine to an external device, preventing overheating by reducing or stopping current flow when temperatures exceed a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electric current is delivered to the outlet without temperature control, then power delivery capability is improved, but outlet temperature increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors outlet temperature and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust current delivery. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the controller reduces or stops current flow, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overheating while maximizing power delivery during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static current delivery approach to a dynamic one where current magnitude is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions. This allows the outlet to adapt its power delivery capability according to thermal conditions, preventing damage while maintaining optimal performance.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control is implemented, then outlet safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors its own temperature and automatically adjusts current delivery without external intervention. The controller uses built-in temperature sensors and algorithms to self-regulate power delivery, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring and current control functions are integrated into a single controller unit that manages both safety monitoring and power delivery. This consolidation reduces system complexity by combining multiple functions into one component rather than using separate systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents damage to outlets and external devices by controlling electric current delivery based on temperature, ensuring safe operation and reducing the risk of overheating.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors monitor the outlet temperature
Implementation Method 2
The electric machine is configured to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 3
change the magnitude as temperature of the outlet changes within a predefined range
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a generator, an outlet, and a controller. The generator is electrically connected to the outlet. The controller is programmed to, responsive to outlet temperature being less than a threshold, deliver an electric current from the generator to an external device that is connected to the outlet. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the outlet temperature exceeding the threshold, inhibit delivering the current from the electric machine to the external device.