Vehicle Outlet Shutdown Warning Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack effective mechanisms to warn and manage impending electrical outlet shutdowns due to overheating or inability to charge the battery, which can lead to unexpected power failures when external devices are connected.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle powertrain system with a controller that monitors temperature, load thresholds, and battery charging conditions to issue warnings and initiate shutdowns of electrical outlets when conditions indicate an impending shutdown, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical outlet continues to deliver power when the vehicle powertrain is overheating or the battery cannot be charged to the requested level, then the external device remains powered, but the risk of system damage and unexpected shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by monitoring temperature and battery charging conditions, then issues a warning before the actual shutdown occurs. This allows the system to maintain power delivery while preparing the operator for upcoming shutdown, balancing reliability protection with operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature sensors and battery charging status, then providing real-time warnings to the operator when thresholds are approached. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain reliability while keeping the operator informed of system state changes.
2Reliability
If the electrical outlet is shutdown immediately when temperature exceeds threshold or charging fails, then system damage is prevented, but the external device experiences unexpected power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The controller issues a warning signal before executing the shutdown action, providing the operator with advance notice. This preliminary warning allows the operator to prepare for the upcoming power interruption while the system maintains protection through controlled shutdown timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a cushioning period between detecting the abnormal condition and executing the shutdown. During this interval, the operator is warned but power delivery continues, cushioning the impact of the eventual shutdown on the external device while maintaining system safety.
3Reliability
If the controller monitors multiple conditions (temperature, load thresholds, battery charging status), then the system safety is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously monitors temperature, battery charging status, and electrical load conditions. This universal approach consolidates multiple monitoring functions into a single control unit, improving safety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines temperature monitoring, battery charging monitoring, and electrical load monitoring into a single integrated control system. By merging these functions into one controller, the system achieves comprehensive safety monitoring while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate control devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle powertrain includes a battery, an electric machine, an electrical circuit, an electrical outlet, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to receive electrical power from the battery to propel the vehicle and to deliver electrical power to the battery to recharge the battery. The electrical circuit is configured to transfer electrical power between the battery and the electric machine. The electrical outlet is configured to deliver power from the electrical circuit to an external device that is connected to the outlet. The controller is programmed to, in response to a first set of conditions that is indicative of the vehicle powertrain overheating or a second set of conditions that is indicative of an inability to charge the battery to a requested charge value, issue a warning of an impending shutdown of the electrical outlet.