Electrified Vehicle Power Outlet with Overlapping Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified vehicles lack the capability to simultaneously power remote devices and buildings without risking electrical safety and efficiency due to differing grounding requirements and outlet configurations.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is equipped with a power-electronics converter and dual sockets, where only one socket can be used at a time to prevent simultaneous powering of different load categories, with a NEMA 5 socket for remote devices and a unique socket for buildings, ensuring safe and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle provides both V2L and V2B outlets simultaneously, then the versatility and adaptability of the power system is improved, but the electrical safety and system reliability deteriorate due to conflicting grounding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines V2L and V2B outlets into a single integrated outlet assembly with overlapping receptacles. This merging allows the system to provide both V2L and V2B capabilities while physically preventing simultaneous operation through the overlapping design, thus maintaining electrical safety while preserving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping receptacle design acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for both V2L and V2B functionality and the requirement for electrical safety. The physical overlap prevents incorrect simultaneous connection, serving as a passive safety intermediary without requiring active control systems.
2Productivity
If the vehicle allows simultaneous connection of V2L and V2B loads, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the risk of electrical hazards increases due to different grounding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging V2L and V2B outlets into a single assembly with overlapping receptacles, the system maintains the capacity to power both types of loads but prevents simultaneous operation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing power supply flexibility while eliminating the electrical hazard risk associated with simultaneous connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping receptacle design implements preliminary anti-action by physically preventing the harmful action of simultaneous V2L and V2B connections before it can occur. The design proactively blocks incorrect usage patterns that would create electrical hazards.
3Ease of operation
If separate outlets are provided for V2L and V2B, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate grounding systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate V2L and V2B outlets into a single integrated assembly with unified grounding through the power-electronics converter. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate grounding systems while maintaining ease of operation through clearly differentiated but integrated receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outlet assembly serves multiple functions by accommodating both V2L and V2B connections sequentially. The universal design allows the same physical structure to support different load types without requiring separate dedicated outlets, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a power-electronics converter and an electrical outlet in electric communication with the power-electronics converter and configured to power external loads. The vehicle includes at least one electrical outlet including at least a first socket configured to power a first category of external loads and a second socket configured to power a second category of external loads. The vehicle is configured to only power one of the first and second loads at a time. This may be accomplished using physical features or electronically.