Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Vyas Shenoy

Stuart C Salter

Paul Kenneth Dellock

David Brian Glickman

Brendan F Diamond

David Celinske

Michael John Harmon

Ryan J O'Gorman

John Robert Van Wiemeersch

Jesse R Diephuis

Todd Ansbacher

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.

Systems and methods for controlling electrical power outlets in a vehicle

The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables. In an example method, a first end of a power cable may be detected to be connected to a vehicle. A first trajectory of the power cable may then be determined via a plurality of sensors at the vehicle. The first trajectory of the power cable may include a first location and a first orientation of the power cable. It may then be determined, via the plurality of sensors at the vehicle, whether an obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable. Responsive to the determination that the obstacle is within the predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable, a notification associated with the obstacle may be provided, and a power supply to the power cable may be turned off.

Systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables

A vehicle electrical distribution system includes an electrical box having at least one power outlet. The electrical box is configured to be moved between a stowed position where the electrical box is housed within a compartment of a vehicle, and an deployed position where the electrical box is outside the compartment.

Vehicle body panel accommodating a deployable electrical system

The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for guiding an individual to an electrical power outlet in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller in a vehicle includes determining that an individual is seeking an electrical power outlet provided on the vehicle, selecting a first electrical power outlet from a plurality of electrical power outlets provided on the vehicle, and providing location information of the first electrical power outlet. The location information may be provided in various forms such as in the form of an audio signal (a beeping sound produced by a beeper, for example), a visual indication (a light source illuminating the electrical power outlet, for example) an audible instruction (navigation assistance provided via a speaker, for example), a graphical indication (navigation assistance via a personal device), and/or a text message (navigation assistance via a personal device).

Systems and methods to guide an individual to an electrical power outlet in a vehicle

The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.

Growing community of inventors

Canton, MI, United States of America

Vyas Shenoy