Vehicle Accessory Power Outlet Control via ECU Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing electrical load and complexity in vehicles, combined with the drain on vehicle batteries from devices like cell phones, necessitate efficient power management to conserve battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control accessory power outlets in vehicles by synchronizing communications between battery-powered devices and a vehicle's computing device to determine when a device is connected and charging, disconnecting power when not in use to conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessory power outlets remain continuously energized to provide power to battery-powered devices, then device charging availability is improved, but vehicle battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of device charging status through communication protocols between the ECU and the battery-powered device. Power to the accessory outlet is dynamically adjusted based on periodic status checks, energizing only when charging is detected and deenergizing when not needed, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and power conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU receives feedback signals from the battery-powered device indicating charging status and connection state. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust power delivery to the accessory outlet, providing power only when the device is actively charging and disconnecting power when idle, thereby balancing availability with energy conservation
2Loss of energy
If accessory power outlets are deenergized when not in use to conserve battery power, then battery power conservation is improved, but device charging responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining communication links and monitoring circuits in a low-power standby state even when the accessory outlet is deenergized. When a device is connected, the ECU quickly detects the connection and restores power immediately, preventing any noticeable delay while still conserving battery power during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions the accessory outlet between energized and deenergized states based on real-time charging demand. The ECU rapidly switches power state in response to device connection and charging status changes, ensuring minimal response time while maximizing battery conservation during non-charging periods
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems are provided for controlling an auxiliary power outlet in a vehicle. The method includes connecting the battery powered device to the accessory power outlet, synchronizing communications between the battery powered device to a computing device of the vehicle, and determining when the battery powered device is connected to an electric bus and is charging. When the battery powered device is either not connected to the electric bus or the battery powered device is not charging, then disconnecting power from the accessory power outlet. The system includes a battery, an electrical bus electrically connected to the battery, at least one auxiliary power outlet in electrical communication with the battery and configured to mate with a battery charging port of a battery operated device; and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to disconnect power from the accessory power outlet when the battery is charged.