18076995. VEHICLE CHARGE PORT DEFROSTER simplified abstract (KIA CORPORATION)
Contents
VEHICLE CHARGE PORT DEFROSTER
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Scott Ziolek of Ann Arbor MI (US)
Jason J. Lilburn of Taylor MI (US)
Bryan Whaley of Howell MI (US)
VEHICLE CHARGE PORT DEFROSTER - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18076995 titled 'VEHICLE CHARGE PORT DEFROSTER
Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes methods, devices, and systems for charge port defrosters in vehicles, which include a heating element to prevent freezing in cold weather conditions.
- Key Features and Innovation:
- Integration of a charge port cover with a heating element to prevent freezing. - Controller to determine environmental conditions and activate the heating element accordingly.
Potential Applications: This technology can be applied in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other vehicles with charge ports to prevent freezing and ensure smooth operation in cold weather conditions.
Problems Solved: This technology addresses the issue of charge ports freezing in cold weather, which can hinder the charging process and potentially damage the vehicle.
Benefits: - Ensures the smooth operation of vehicles in cold weather conditions. - Prevents damage to the charge port and associated components. - Improves user experience by eliminating the need to manually defrost the charge port.
Commercial Applications: The technology can be implemented by automotive manufacturers in electric and hybrid vehicles to enhance the reliability and usability of their products in cold climates.
Prior Art: Prior art related to charge port defrosters in vehicles may include patents or publications discussing heating elements in vehicle components to prevent freezing.
Frequently Updated Research: Research on advancements in heating element technology for vehicle components and systems may be relevant to the development of charge port defrosters.
Questions about Charge Port Defrosters: 1. How does the controller determine the environmental conditions to activate the heating element? 2. What are the potential energy consumption implications of using a heating element in the charge port cover?
Original Abstract Submitted
Methods, devices, and systems are described for charge port defrosters. The system includes a charge port integrated into a vehicle and configured to power the vehicle, a charge port cover coupled to the hinge and configured to cover the charge port, a heating element located proximate to the charge port and the charge port cover, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in an environment capable of satisfying a temperature threshold. The temperature threshold is indicative of cold weather conditions. The controller is configured to operate the heating element to be powered in response to determining the vehicle is in the environment capable of satisfying the temperature threshold.
