Vehicle Power Adapter for External Equipment Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Externally chargeable vehicles, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, face a geometric mismatch between their charging connectors and standard power supply plugs, preventing direct connection and efficient power transfer to external electrical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A conversion adapter is designed to connect a power supply plug of external electrical equipment directly to the vehicle's inlet, utilizing a power generation system including an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine to supply electric power from the vehicle to the equipment, with a control method to manage power conversion and supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging connector is used for external charging, then electric power can be supplied to the vehicle from external power sources, but the connector geometry is incompatible with standard power supply plugs, preventing direct connection to external electrical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that connects the vehicle's charging connector to standard power supply plugs. The adapter includes a male connector that interfaces with the vehicle's inlet and a female receptacle that accepts standard power plugs, thereby mediating the geometric incompatibility between charging connectors and standard power outlets. This allows the vehicle to function as a power supply for external electrical equipment using standard connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is used as a power supply for external electrical equipment, then versatility in camping and outdoor activities is enhanced, but direct connection is prevented due to connector geometry differences
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that enables direct connection between the vehicle and external electrical equipment with standard power plugs. By incorporating the adapter into the vehicle's inlet, users can directly plug in standard electrical equipment without requiring separate outlets or complex connection procedures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing external power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vehicle's charging inlet functionality with power supply outlet functionality by integrating the adapter into the inlet structure. This combination allows the same interface to serve both charging purposes (receiving power) and power supply purposes (delivering power to external equipment), eliminating the need for separate outlets and simplifying the user interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate outlets are provided for power supply to external equipment, then direct power supply capability is achieved, but vehicle structure requires more modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function with the existing charging inlet structure by integrating the adapter into the inlet. This merging approach allows the vehicle to provide power supply capability without requiring separate outlets or extensive structural modifications. The adapter utilizes the existing inlet mounting structure, electrical connections, and housing, thereby minimizing manufacturing complexity and modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter enables the charging inlet to serve multiple functions: it can accept charging cables for power input and simultaneously accept standard power plugs for power output to external equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated outlets, reducing the number of components required and simplifying vehicle manufacturing while maintaining adaptability for various power supply scenarios.
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
Enables direct and efficient supply of electric power from the vehicle to external electrical equipment, eliminating the need for separate outlets and reducing modification requirements, enhancing versatility and convenience in camping, outdoor, and smart grid applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating electric machine configured to be driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electric power
Data Source
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AI summary
A conventional vehicular charging port (or inlet) is geometrically different from a power supply plug of general electrical equipment, and the power supply plug cannot directly be connected to the inlet. The present invention provides an adapter (800) including a first connection portion (801) that corresponds in geometry to an inlet (270) and a second connection portion (805) that corresponds in geometry to a power supply plug of electrical equipment (700) external to a vehicle. Furthermore, the adapter (800) includes a second control device (850) capable of outputting a signal to a first control device (170) of the vehicle. When the first connection portion (801) is connected to the inlet (270), the second control device (850) outputs a power supply instruction signal, which is indicative of an instruction to supply electric power, to the first control device (170) to cause the first control device (170) to control a power conversion device (160) of the vehicle to supply electric power from the power conversion device (160) to the electrical equipment (700). Thus the power supply plug of the electrical equipment (700) can be connected to the vehicle to supply electric power from the vehicle to the electrical equipment (700).