Vehicle External Power Outlet Control During Drive Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical power outlets lack effective solutions for ease of access, convenience, and preventing unauthorized use, especially when the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical power outlet controller system that detects the vehicle's drive mode and disconnections electrical power to external outlets when the vehicle transitions to drive mode, using a processor to monitor the drive selector and camera images to authorize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical power outlets are provided in the vehicle for external use, then ease of access and convenience are improved, but unauthorized use and safety hazards when the vehicle is in motion cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet system dynamically changes its operational state based on vehicle motion status. When the vehicle is stationary, the outlet remains accessible and powered. When motion is detected or drive mode is selected, the system automatically disconnects power and may physically secure the outlet, transitioning from an accessible state to a secured state based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operational parameters (drive selector position, motion status) and uses this feedback to control the power outlet state. The controller receives feedback from sensors detecting vehicle motion or gear selection and automatically adjusts power delivery and outlet accessibility accordingly, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
2Ease of operation
If electrical power outlets are accessible from outside the vehicle, then convenience for external devices is improved, but safety hazards when the vehicle is in motion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action to prevent potential safety hazards before they can occur. By detecting drive mode selection or vehicle motion in advance, the system proactively disconnects power and secures the outlet before the vehicle begins moving, preventing any possibility of unauthorized use or safety incidents during motion
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet accessibility and power delivery are made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically transitions between accessible and secured states based on real-time vehicle operational conditions, allowing convenient external access when parked while automatically preventing access and power delivery when motion is detected or drive mode is selected
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for controlling electrical power outlets in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller includes detecting a transitioning of a vehicle to a drive mode and further includes disconnecting, based on the transitioning, electrical power supplied to a first electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The transitioning of the vehicle to the drive mode may be detected based on a transition of a drive selector of the vehicle from a park position to a drive position. In another example method, the processor, detects the vehicle in motion and disconnects electrical power supplied to a second electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The first electrical power outlet and/or the second electrical power outlet are accessible from outside the vehicle, and may, for example, be located outside a cabin area of the vehicle.