PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11964584-B2
Application Number: US-202117412425-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Accessory power pack

Abstract:
A power ecosystem is disclosed that includes a premises power interface associated with a premises, a moving object power interface associated with a moving object, and an accessory power pack comprising an accessory sensor. The accessory power pack is configured to receive an electrical charge from the premises power interface, supply an electrical charge to the moving object power interface, and be releasably secured to the moving object. The accessory power pack is configured to send accessory sensor information captured by the accessory sensor to at least one of the premises or the moving object.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power ecosystem, comprising:
 a premises power interface associated with a premises and comprising a premises sensor configured to capture premises sensor signals; 
 a vehicle power interface associated with a vehicle and comprising a vehicle sensor configured to capture vehicle sensor signals; and 
 an accessory power pack comprising an accessory sensor configured to capture accessory sensor signals, the accessory power pack configured to:
 receive charge from the premises power interface; 
 supply charge to the vehicle power interface; 
 be releasably secured to the premises; 
 be releasably secured to the vehicle; 
 send accessory sensor signals captured by the accessory sensor to the premises when releasably secured to the premises; and 
 send accessory sensor signals captured by the accessory sensor to the vehicle when releasably secured to the vehicle, 
 
 wherein the premises is configured to supplement the premises sensor signals with the accessory sensor signals when the accessory power pack is secured to the premises, and 
 wherein the vehicle is configured to supplement the vehicle sensor signals with the accessory sensor signals when the accessory power pack is secured to the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The power ecosystem of  claim 1 , wherein the charge from the premises power interface to the accessory power pack is received at a first charging rate and the charge from the accessory power pack to the vehicle power interface is supplied at a second charging rate that differs from the first charging rate. 
     
     
       3. The power ecosystem of  claim 2 , wherein the first charging rate is lower than the second charging rate. 
     
     
       4. The power ecosystem of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory sensor is configured to capture at least one of charging, imaging, LIDAR, radar, ultrasonic, proximity, identification, or location signals. 
     
     
       5. The power ecosystem of  claim 1 , wherein when the accessory power pack is releasably secured to the premises, the accessory sensor signals supplement operation of a security system or a safety system of the premises. 
     
     
       6. The power ecosystem of  claim 5 , wherein the accessory power pack comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure a connection between the accessory power pack and at least one of the vehicle or the premises. 
     
     
       7. The power ecosystem of  claim 6 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prohibit release of the accessory power pack from the at least one of the vehicle or the premises based on the accessory sensor signals from the accessory sensor. 
     
     
       8. The power ecosystem of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured to reduce a coefficient of drag or a coefficient of lift of the vehicle when releasably secured to the vehicle. 
     
     
       9. The power ecosystem of  claim 8 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured as a spoiler, an air dam, a wheel cover, a fascia, or a belly pan for the vehicle. 
     
     
       10. The power ecosystem of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured to add storage capabilities to the vehicle as a trailer, a roof rack, a spoiler, a storage container, or a hitch assembly for the vehicle. 
     
     
       11. An accessory power pack for a vehicle, comprising:
 an accessory housing that is shaped to reduce a coefficient of drag or a coefficient of lift of the vehicle when releasably secured to the vehicle; and 
 an accessory power unit disposed in the accessory housing and configured to:
 receive charge from a premises power unit of a premises; 
 supply charge to a vehicle power unit of the vehicle; and 
 send authorization signals to the vehicle to validate use of the accessory power pack with the vehicle, 
 
 wherein a first charging rate of the charge from the premises power unit to the accessory power unit is lower than a second charging rate of the charge from the accessory power unit to the vehicle power unit. 
 
     
     
       12. The accessory power pack of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a locking mechanism configured to control whether the accessory power pack is releasable from the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       13. The accessory power pack of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 accessory sensors configured to capture accessory sensor signals from an environment surrounding the accessory power pack; and 
 an accessory controller configured to receive the accessory sensor signals from the accessory sensors and send the accessory sensor signals to at least one of the vehicle and the premises. 
 
     
     
       14. The accessory power pack of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory housing is shaped as a spoiler, an air dam, a wheel cover, a fascia, or a belly pan for the vehicle. 
     
     
       15. The accessory power pack of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory housing is configured to be releasably secured to the premises. 
     
     
       16. An accessory power pack for a vehicle, comprising:
 an accessory power unit configured to:
 receive charge from a premises power unit of a premises at a first charging rate; 
 supply charge to a vehicle power unit of the vehicle at a second charging rate that differs from the first charging rate; and 
 be releasably secured to the vehicle; 
 
 an accessory sensor configured to capture accessory sensor signals including imaging signals for an environment surrounding the accessory power pack; and 
 an accessory controller configured to send the accessory sensor signals captured by the accessory sensor to the vehicle or the premises. 
 
     
     
       17. The accessory power pack of  claim 16 , wherein the accessory sensor is further configured to capture at least one of charging, LIDAR, radar, ultrasonic, proximity, identification, or location signals. 
     
     
       18. The accessory power pack of  claim 16 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured to reduce a coefficient of drag or a coefficient of lift of the vehicle when releasably secured to the vehicle. 
     
     
       19. The accessory power pack of  claim 18 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured as a spoiler, an air dam, a wheel cover, a fascia, or a belly pan for the vehicle. 
     
     
       20. The accessory power pack of  claim 16 , wherein the accessory power pack is configured to add storage capabilities to the vehicle as a trailer, a roof rack, a spoiler, a storage container, or a hitch assembly for the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/079,115, filed Sep. 16, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electrical charging and specifically to use of an accessory power pack to improve charging rates and extend operational range in a moving object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A power-storing device in the form of a battery can be used in electric or hybrid-electric moving objects to generate driving force, either alone or in combination with an internal combustion engine. In a fully-electric moving object, the battery must be externally charged. In some examples, the external charge is supplied using equipment that converts alternating current (AC) electricity supplied from a 100 volt (V) to 120V outlet, such as an outlet found in a home or office supplied using an electricity grid, to direct current (DC) that is supplied to the battery in the moving object. The charging rate using a 100V to 120V AC source can be slow, adding from 1 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging time to range. To support longer trips (such as 50, 100, or 200 miles), an extended charge time for the battery is required. 
     In other examples, a home or office can be fitted with a 200V to 240V outlet to improve charging rates to 10 to 60 miles added range per hour of charging time, but this can cost thousands of dollars to install. Further, none of the 100V to 240V AC energy conversion equipment serves to extend the overall range of the moving object. 
     In other examples, a home or office can be fitted with a 200V to 240V outlet to improve charging rates to 10 to 60 miles added vehicle range per hour of charging time, but this can cost thousands of dollars to install. Further, none of the 100V to 240V AC energy conversion equipment serves to extend the overall range of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a power ecosystem. The power ecosystem includes a premises power interface associated with a premises, a vehicle power interface or a moving object power interface associated with a vehicle or a moving object, and an accessory power pack comprising an accessory sensor. The accessory power pack is configured to receive charge from the premises power interface, supply charge to the vehicle power interface or the moving object power interface, be releasably secured to the vehicle or the moving object, and send accessory sensor information captured by the accessory sensor to at least one of the premises, the vehicle, or the moving object. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an accessory power pack for a vehicle. The accessory power pack includes an accessory housing that is shaped to reduce a coefficient of drag or a coefficient of lift of the vehicle when releasably secured to the vehicle and an accessory power unit disposed in the accessory housing. The accessory power unit is configured to receive charge from a premises power unit of a premises and supply charge to a vehicle power unit of the vehicle. A first charging rate of the charge from the premises power unit to the accessory power unit is lower than a second charging rate of the charge from the accessory power unit to the vehicle power unit. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an accessory power pack for a vehicle. The accessory power pack includes an accessory power unit configured to receive charge from a premises power unit of a premises at a first charging rate, supply charge to a vehicle power unit of the vehicle at a second charging rate that differs from the first charging rate, and be releasably secured to the vehicle. The accessory power pack includes an accessory sensor configured to capture accessory sensor information from the accessory power unit or an environment surrounding the accessory power pack and an accessory controller configured to send accessory sensor information captured by the accessory sensor to the vehicle or the premises. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a power ecosystem including a premises power interface, an accessory power pack, and a vehicle or other moving object. 
         FIG.  2    is an illustration of a power ecosystem showing interfaces between a premises, an accessory power pack, and a vehicle or other moving object. 
         FIG.  3    is an illustration showing examples of form factors for accessory power packs and interfaces between accessory power packs and a vehicle or other moving object. 
         FIG.  4    is a flow diagram showing a charging process using the accessory power pack. 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of a computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An accessory power pack for use as part of a power ecosystem is disclosed. The accessory power pack can be charged at a low or slow rate (e.g. a first charging rate), such as from a 100V to 120V AC outlet available at a home or office. Once charged, the accessory power pack can be coupled to a vehicle or a moving object to supply charge to the vehicle or the moving at a higher or fast rate (e.g. a second charging rate), such as through a DC to DC connection. The accessory power pack can be used to extend operating range for the vehicle or the moving object, allowing a user to avoid stopping the vehicle or the moving object to charge the power unit of the vehicle or the moving object on longer trips. The accessory power pack can be designed in a variety of sizes, shapes, and interface types to support aerodynamic improvements in operation of the vehicle or the moving object. The accessory power pack can be designed to support specific user activities such as hauling cargo or powering tools. The accessory power pack can include accessory sensor(s) that provide accessory sensor information to the vehicle (or the moving object, the home, or the office) to supplement security systems, safety systems, or other operations. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a power ecosystem  100  suitable for use with the accessory power pack and charging methods described herein. The power ecosystem  100  is implemented by select portions or elements of a premises  102 , an accessory power pack  104 , and a vehicle  106 . 
     The premises  102  of  FIG.  1    includes one or more premises sensor(s)  108 , a premises controller  110 , and a premises power unit  112 . These components can be attached to or form part of a physical structure on the premises  102 , such as coupled to or forming part of an exterior or interior wall of a home, an office, or a garage (not shown), or can be present on or part of grounds, land, or other property. The term “premises” is used to represent a physical structure configured with a power supply, such as a wall with a power outlet, a dock configured to receive and charge the accessory power pack  104 , or a vehicle charging station accessible to the vehicle  106 . 
     For example, the premises  102  can be a home with garage-based or other outdoor power access or a vehicle charging station in a parking lot of an office building. The premises sensor(s)  108 , premises controller  110 , and premises power unit  112  are electrically interconnected to allow transmission of signals, data, commands, etc., between them, either over wired connections, (e.g., using a wired communications bus) or over wireless data communications channels. Conventional components of other types may be included in the premises  102 , such as parking spaces, storage compartments, user interfaces, windows, doors, etc. (not shown). 
     The accessory power pack  104  includes one or more accessory sensor(s)  114 , an accessory controller  116 , and an accessory power unit  118 . These components can be attached to or form part of a physical structure of the accessory power pack  104 , such as within a housing or body of the accessory power pack  104  that is designed with aerodynamic features (not shown) and configured to be releasably secured to the vehicle  106 . The components in the accessory power pack  104  are electrically interconnected to allow transmission of signals, data, commands, etc., between them, either over wired connections, (e.g., using a wired communications bus) or over wireless data communications channels. Components of other types may be included in the accessory power pack  104 , such as mounting mechanism(s), locking mechanism(s), user interface(s), storage compartment(s), etc. (not shown). For example, the accessory power pack  104  can be configured to be physically secured to the vehicle  106  to achieve a connected position or a coupled position and removed or released from the vehicle  106  to achieve a disconnected position or a decoupled position. Connection or coupling can be effected by the user via the mounting mechanism and controlled by the locking mechanism (not shown). 
     The vehicle  106  includes one or more vehicle sensor(s)  120 , a vehicle controller  122 , and a vehicle power unit  124 . These components can be attached to or form part of a physical structure of the vehicle  106 , such as part of a body, interior, suspension, or frame (not shown), and are electrically interconnected to allow transmission of signals, data, commands, etc., between them, either over wired connections, (e.g., using a wired communications bus) or over wireless data communications channels. Components of other types may be included in the vehicle  106 , such as a suspension system, a seating system, a ventilation system, an infotainment system, etc. (not shown). The vehicle  106  can be referred to as a moving object and include devices such as an automobile, a robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or any other device configured to interface with the accessory power pack  104 . 
     In the power ecosystem  100 , the premises power unit  112  is configured to supply charge to the accessory power unit  118  via a premises power interface  126  that can include any manner of wired or wireless interface that allows the premises power unit  112  to supply charge, such as a charging cable, charge connectors, or a wireless inductive charging system. For example, the premises power unit  112  can supply charge through a 100V to 120V AC outlet or a 220V to 240V AC outlet (e.g., at a first charging rate). Charging rates can vary with an AC source of this type, such as between 5 miles of range per charging hour to 50 miles of range per charging hour depending on the type of vehicle  106 . Though shown as extending between the premises  102  and the accessory power pack  104 , the premises power interface  126  may also be configured to supply charge to or receive charge from the vehicle  106  (not shown). The premises power interface  126  can also be configured to support data communications with other components or systems, such as by sending data transmissions to or receiving data transmissions from the accessory power pack  104  or the vehicle  106 . 
     The accessory power unit  118  is configured to store charge for later use by the vehicle  106 . For example, the accessory power unit  118  can be sized to store between 20 kilowatt hours (kWh) and 40 kWh of power received from the premises power unit  112 . The accessory power unit  118  can supply the stored charge to the vehicle power unit  124  via an accessory power interface  128  that can include any manner of wired or wireless interface that allows the accessory power unit  118  to supply charge, such as a charging cable, charge connectors, or a wireless inductive charging power source. The accessory power unit  118  can be configured to convert AC power into DC power (e.g., using an inverter) in order to supply charge to the vehicle  106  at a higher charging rate than is possible using the premises power unit  112  (e.g., at a second charging rate), such as between 150 miles per charging hour to 300 miles of range per charging hour depending on the type of vehicle  106 . Though shown as extending between the accessory power pack  104  and the vehicle  106 , the accessory power interface  128  may also be configured to supply charge to or receive charge from the premises  102  (not shown). The accessory power interface  128  can also be configured to support data communications with other components or systems, such as by sending data transmissions to or receiving data transmissions from the premises  102  or the vehicle  106 . 
     The premises sensor(s)  108  can capture or receive information about the premises  102  or about an environment surrounding the premises  102  which is referred to as premises sensor information. Premises sensor information may also include information about the accessory power pack  104  or the vehicle  106  if located proximate to or otherwise coupled with the premises  102 . The premises sensor(s)  108  can be configured to capture charging information, imaging information, LIDAR information, radar information, ultrasonic information, proximity information, identification information, or location information. For example, premises sensor information may include information that the accessory power pack  104  is electrically coupled to the premises  102  and is currently receiving electrical charge from the premises power unit  112 . 
     The accessory sensor(s)  114  can capture or receive information about the accessory power pack  104  or about an environment surrounding the accessory power pack  104  which is referred to as accessory sensor information. Accessory sensor information may also include information about the premises  102  or the vehicle  106  if located proximate to or otherwise coupled with the accessory power pack  104 . The accessory sensor(s)  114  can be configured to capture locking information, charging information, imaging information, LIDAR information, radar information, ultrasonic information, proximity information, identification information, or location information. For example, accessory sensor information may include information that the accessory power pack  104  is physically or electrically coupled to the vehicle  106  in a connected position or a coupled position, is currently supplying electrical charge to the vehicle power unit  124  via the accessory power interface  128 , or has a locking mechanism (not shown) that has been tampered with or disabled. 
     The vehicle sensor(s)  120  can capture or receive information about the vehicle  106  or about an environment surrounding the vehicle  106  which is referred to as vehicle sensor information. Vehicle sensor information may also include information about the premises  102  or the accessory power pack  104  if located proximate to or otherwise coupled with the vehicle  106 . Vehicle sensor information captured by the vehicle sensor(s)  120  can relate to presence or engagement of the accessory power pack  104  to the vehicle  106 , presence and location of other vehicles, pedestrians, and/or objects in the environment, operating conditions of the vehicle  106 , and other conditions within the vehicle  106  or exterior to the vehicle  106 . For example, vehicle sensor information may include a vehicle location and traffic information for vehicular or pedestrian traffic around the vehicle  106 . 
     The premises controller  110  can use premises sensor information to determine status for the premises power unit  112 , determine charging requirements for the accessory power unit  118  when coupled to the premises  102  via the premises power interface  126 , and to support operation of various premises systems (not shown) that may be associated with charging functions, such as security systems, lighting systems, ventilation systems, etc. 
     The accessory controller  116  can use accessory sensor information to determine status for the accessory power unit  118  or determine charge levels, charging speed, or connection status when receiving charge from the premises power unit  112  or sending charge to the vehicle power unit  124 . The accessory controller  116  can also be configured to send accessory sensor information to the premises  102  or the vehicle  106 . 
     The vehicle controller  122  can use vehicle sensor information to understand the environment around the vehicle  106  and to support operation of various vehicle systems such as propulsion systems, autonomous control systems, or driver safety systems. The vehicle controller  122  can be configured to supplement vehicle sensor information with accessory sensor information when the accessory power pack  104  is releasably secured to the vehicle  106 . For example, the accessory sensor information can include charge level information for the accessory power unit  118 , identification information or authorization information that validates use of the accessory power pack  104  with the vehicle  106 , or imaging information for an environment surrounding the accessory power pack  104  that improves operation of the driver safety systems of the vehicle  106 . 
       FIG.  2    is an illustration of a power ecosystem  200  showing interfaces between a premises  202 , an accessory power pack  204 , and a vehicle  206 . The premises  202 , the accessory power pack  204 , and the vehicle  206  can have similar features to the premises  102 , the accessory power pack  104 , and the vehicle  106  described in respect to  FIG.  1   . 
     The premises  202  of  FIG.  2    includes a premises sensor  208 , a premises controller  210 , and a premises power unit  212 . These components can be similar to the premises sensor(s)  108 , the premises controller  110 , and the premises power unit  112  of the premises  102  in  FIG.  1   , so only differences or additional features and implementation examples will be described in reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The premises power unit  212  is shown as including a series of coils configured for wireless inductive charging (e.g. at a first charging rate). To support charging the accessory power pack  204 , the premises  202  includes a wall-type structure defining a recess  230  shaped and sized to secure, receive, or otherwise mount the accessory power pack  204 . The premises sensor  208  can be configured to detect presence and position of the accessory power pack  204  for security purposes or to support charge positioning. For example, the premises sensor  208  may detect that the accessory power pack  204  is spaced apart from the recess  230  at a partially connected position (based on distance between components) that allows charging of the accessory power pack  204 , but at a degraded charging rate. The premises controller  210  can receive premises sensor information from the premises sensor  208  indicative of the partially connected position of the accessory power pack  204  and, based on the premises sensor information, send a command to illuminate an indicator (not shown) associated with the premises  202  or the accessory power pack  204  or send a message to a user interface (not shown) to alert the user to reposition the accessory power pack  204  to a connected position (i.e. a position that improves the charging rate to the first charging rate). 
     The accessory power pack  204  of  FIG.  2    includes an accessory sensor  214 , an accessory controller  216 , and an accessory power unit  218 . These components can be similar to the accessory sensor  114 , the accessory controller  116 , and the accessory power unit  118  of the accessory power pack  104  in  FIG.  1   , so only differences or additional features and implementation examples will be described in reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The accessory power pack  204  can be releasably secured to the premises  202 , for example, using a locking mechanism, a mounting mechanism, magnetic attraction, or another mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism  219   a ) to secure a connection or hold a position of the accessory power pack  204  in relation to the premises  202  to support both security features and proper orientation of the accessory power pack  204  for an improved charging rate between the premises power unit  212  and the accessory power unit  218 . The accessory sensor  214  is shown as fitting into the recess  230  of the premises  202 , for example, to better guide positioning or to avoid damage to the accessory sensor  214  when the accessory power pack  204  is releasably secured to the premises  202 . 
     The accessory power unit  218  is shown as including a series of coils configured for wireless inductive charging, for example, when located in a connected position that is proximate to the coils of the premises power unit  212 . The accessory power unit  218  also includes storage capabilities such that charge received from the premises power unit  212  is stored as energy within the accessory power pack  204  for later use, such as when the accessory power pack  204  is coupled to the vehicle  206  so that the accessory power pack  204  can provide range extension capabilities to the vehicle  206 . In some examples, the accessory power pack  204  can store between 15 kWh and 50 kWh depending on energy storage capabilities (and size) of the accessory power unit  218 . 
     A premises power interface  226  is shown as a bi-directional dotted line arrow between the coils of the premises power unit  212  and the coils of the accessory power unit  218 . Though the premises power interface  226  is shown with wireless charging capabilities, the accessory power pack  204  may alternatively include a cable (e.g. a retractable cord) and a connector (e.g. a plug) that couples with a 100V to 120V or 220V to 240V AC outlet located along a wall of or in the recess  230  of the premises  202  (not shown). Other power transfer interfaces between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204  are also possible, and the voltage levels are only examples, as other outlet voltage levels are possible. 
     The vehicle  206  of  FIG.  2    includes a vehicle sensor  220 , a vehicle controller  222 , and a vehicle power unit  224 . These components can be similar to the vehicle sensor  120 , the vehicle controller  122 , and the vehicle power unit  124  of the vehicle  106  in  FIG.  1   , so only differences or additional features and implementation examples will be described in reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The accessory power pack  204  can be releasably secured to the vehicle  206 , for example, using a locking mechanism, a mounting mechanism, magnetic attraction, or another mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism  219   b ) to hold a position of the accessory power pack  204  in relation to the vehicle  206  as in a physically connected position and/or electrically coupled position to support both security features and proper orientation for improved charging rate between the accessory power unit  218  and the vehicle power unit  224 . The vehicle sensor  220  is shown as configured to fit into a recess of the accessory power pack  204 , for example, to better guide positioning of the accessory power pack  204  onto the vehicle  206  during connection or to avoid damage to the vehicle sensor  220  by the accessory power pack  204 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  2   , the vehicle controller  222  can be configured to receive accessory sensor information from the accessory sensor  214  via the accessory controller  216  when the accessory power pack  204  and the vehicle  206  are coupled. In this way, if functionality of the vehicle sensor  220  is limited by presence of the accessory power pack  204 , the vehicle controller  222  can rely on accessory sensor information from the accessory sensor  214  to maintain operation of various vehicle systems. In other examples, the accessory sensor  214  can provide additional or supplemental sensor information to the vehicle controller  222  to improve functionality of various vehicle systems. For example, the accessory sensor  214  can have imaging capabilities to extend a field of view of a back-up camera system for the vehicle  206 . In another example, the accessory sensor  214  can be configured with communication capabilities to enable wireless or satellite network access so that the accessory power pack  204  can support wireless user devices within or otherwise proximate to the vehicle  206 . In another example, the accessory sensor  214  can identify a location of the accessory power pack  204  to the vehicle controller  222  if the accessory power pack  204  is removed or misplaced. 
     An accessory power interface  228  is shown as a bi-directional dotted line arrow between a male connector electrically coupled to the accessory power unit  218  and a female connector electrically coupled to the vehicle power unit  224 . The male-to-female connection of the accessory power interface  228  can be a DC to DC connection configured to support a charging rate (e.g. a second charging rate) that is higher than the (AC to AC first) charging rate of the premises power interface  226 . Though the accessory power interface  228  is shown as a DC to DC male-to-female connection, other connection types, such as AC and DC combinations are also possible. Since the accessory power pack  204  is a portable unit with low or no installation costs intended to leverage available power from the premises  202 , the connection types associated with the accessory power interface  228  can vary based on needs of the user without causing undue cost. 
     In one example of the power ecosystem  200 , the accessory power pack  204  can be positioned in the recess  230  of the premises  202 , such as by parking the vehicle  206  with the accessory power pack  204  connected to the vehicle  206  in an appropriate location within a garage of a home. The premises power interface  226  can then supply charge (e.g. at the first charging rate) over several hours such as overnight, when electricity costs for the premises  202  are low as compared to peak power costs. Once fully charged, the accessory power unit  218  can be used to extend operational range for the vehicle  206  by supplying charge (e.g. at the second charging rate) to the vehicle power unit  224 , for example, when the vehicle power unit  224  becomes depleted to a predetermined level during operation of the vehicle  206 . In this way, the vehicle  206  can avoid stopping to recharge the vehicle power unit  224  on a longer trip, saving time and cost for a user of the vehicle  206 . In addition to providing improved energy storage capacity to increase overall range for the vehicle  206 , the accessory power pack  204  can be shaped to improve vehicle aerodynamics as described herein. 
       FIG.  3    is an illustration showing examples of form factors or housing types for accessory power packs  304   a - f  as well as interfaces between the accessory power packs  304   a - f  and a vehicle  306  indicated with dotted-line arrows to show general installation locations. The accessory power packs  304   a - f  are shown in a variety of sizes, shapes, and types to support aerodynamic improvement in operation of the vehicle  306  to further extend operating range of the vehicle  306 , support application specific-activities, or both. The examples shown are not exhaustive, but include a storage container or roof rack ( 304   a ), a rear spoiler ( 304   b ), a rear bumper or hitch assembly ( 304   c ), a storage container or trailer ( 304   d ), a wheel cover ( 304   f ), and a front fascia, belly pan, or air dam ( 304   e ) for use with the vehicle  306 . 
     The shape and installation locations of the accessory power packs  304   b ,  304   f , and  304   e  are configured to reduce a coefficient of drag or a coefficient of lift of the vehicle  306  when releasably secured to the vehicle  306 . For example, the rear spoiler  304   b  can encourage a smooth transition from laminar to turbulent flow at a rear of the vehicle  306  during driving, reducing rear lift and drag, thus extending operating range for the vehicle  306  given a fixed charge capacity. In another example, the wheel cover  304   f  can reduce turbulence within a wheel well or flow interruptions across a tire and wheel (not shown) of the vehicle  306  to reduce drag, extending operating range for the vehicle  306 . In another example, the front fascia, belly pan, or air dam  304   e  can reduce turbulence or flow interruptions caused by underbody components of the vehicle to reduce drag or balance lift, extending operating range for the vehicle  306 . 
     The accessory power packs  304   a ,  304   c , and  304   d  are configured to add storage or other capabilities to the vehicle  306 . For example, the storage container or roof rack  304   a  can include both an accessory power unit (not shown) similar to the accessory power units  118 ,  218  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    and physical space or a cavity to store belongings of the user of the vehicle  306 . The storage container or roof rack  304   a  is also shaped to encourage laminar flow and reduce drag to improve (or avoid detriment to) operating range for the vehicle  306 . In another example, the rear bumper or hitch assembly  304   c  can include an accessory power unit (not shown) similar to the accessory power units  118 ,  218  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    and support a bicycle rack (not shown), include components (not shown) to attach a trailer, or work in combination with another component such as the rear spoiler  304   b  or the trailer  304   d  to provide additional physical storage and/or additional energy storage when receiving charge, for example, from a premises power unit (not shown) similar to the premises power units  112 ,  212  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The rear bumper or hitch assembly  304   c  can be designed to be positioned within a wake of the vehicle  306 , making its aerodynamic impact negligible. 
     In another example, the storage container or trailer  304   d  can include both an accessory power unit (not shown) similar to the accessory power units  118 ,  218  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    and physical space or a cavity to store belongings of the user of the vehicle  306 . Alternatively, the trailer  304   d  can be designed both to supply charge to the vehicle  306  and to supply power to separate components. For example, the trailer  304   d  can be designed to store tools for a contractor such as drills, saws, or other power tools, and the contractor can use power from the trailer  304   d  to power both the vehicle  306  and her power tools while working on a job site. In another example, the trailer  304   d  can be designed to store a projection screen and a speaker system, and a traveling entertainer can use power from the trailer  304   d  to power both the vehicle  306  and his audio-visual equipment for an outdoor performance. 
       FIG.  4    is an illustration that shows a charging process  432  using an accessory power pack. The process  432  can be implemented using the power ecosystems  100 ,  200  of  FIG.  1    or  FIG.  2   . The process  432  will be described by referring back to the power ecosystem  200  of  FIG.  2    that includes the premises  202 , the accessory power pack  204 , and the vehicle  206 . The form factor of the accessory power pack  204  of  FIG.  2    is generic, though various form factors such as those shown and described in respect to the accessory power packs  304   a - f  of  FIG.  3    can be used to support the process  432  of  FIG.  4   . 
     In decision block  434 , the premises  202  or the accessory power pack  204  can receive premises sensor information or accessory sensor information (e.g., from the premises sensor  208  or the accessory sensor  214 ) sufficient to determine whether a charge connection is established between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204 . The charge connection can include a physical connection, such as a cable being coupled between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204 , or a proximity threshold being met for a distance or relational position between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204 . For example, the vehicle  206  with the accessory power pack  204  attached can pull into a garage where the recess  230  associated with the premises  202  is located such that the accessory power pack  204  is positioned within the recess  230  at a location sufficient to allow wireless inductive charging (e.g. a connected position). 
     If the decision block  434  determines that a charge connection is established between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204 , the process  432  continues to operation  436 . In operation  436 , the accessory power pack  204  receives an electrical charge from the premises  202 , for example, via the premises power interface  226 . The electrical charge from the premises power interface  226  to the accessory power pack  204 , specifically, the accessory power unit  218 , can be received at a charging rate associated with the connection type. If the premises power interface  226  includes a 100V to 120V or 220V to 240V AC outlet, the charging rate can be relatively low or slow, such as between 5 miles of range per charging hour to 50 miles of range per charging hour. This slow charging rate, also called a trickle charge, can require between 4 hours and 12 hours to fully charge the accessory power pack  204 , depending on storage capacity or size of the accessory power unit  218 . The cost to supply this charge is relatively low, and off-peak times can be leveraged, such as nighttime hours. 
     If the decision block  434  determines that no charge connection is established between the premises  202  and the accessory power pack  204 , the process  432  continues to decision block  438 . In decision block  438 , the accessory power pack  204  or the vehicle  206  can receive accessory sensor information or vehicle sensor information sufficient to determine whether a charge connection is established between the accessory power pack  204  and the vehicle  206 . The charge connection can include an electrical connection, such as a male-to-female connector coupling between the accessory power pack  204  and the vehicle  206 . The charge connection can also be established based on a status of a mechanical or electro-mechanical locking mechanism (e.g., the locking mechanism  219   b ). 
     The locking mechanism  219   b  can be part of the accessory power pack  204  or the vehicle  206  and can be configured to control engagement of the accessory power pack  204  to the vehicle  206  (or the premise  202 ) and release of the accessory power pack  204  from the vehicle  206  (or the premises  202 ) based on accessory sensor information from the accessory sensor  214  or vehicle sensor information from the vehicle sensor  220 . The locking mechanism  219   b  can be both a security measure and a safety measure to avoid unintended removal of the accessory power pack  204  from the vehicle  206  (or the premises  202 ). For example, the locking mechanism  219   b  can be configured to prohibit release of the accessory power pack  204  from the vehicle  206  or the premises  202  based on accessory sensor information from the accessory sensor  214  indicating attempted interference from an unauthorized party or an incorrect entry of a security code from a user. 
     If the decision block  438  determines that no charge connection is established between the accessory power pack  204  and the vehicle  206 , the process  432  returns to decision block  434  and starts over. In other words, the accessory controller  216  can be configured to determine whether any charge connections are established, with either the premises  202  or the vehicle  206 , before any further steps of the process  432  occur. 
     If the decision block  438  determines that a charge connection is established between the accessory power pack  204  and the vehicle  206 , the process  432  continues to operation  440 . In operation  440 , the vehicle power unit  224  receives an electrical charge from the accessory power unit  218 , for example, via the accessory power interface  228 . The electrical charge from the accessory power interface  228  to the vehicle power unit  224  can be received at a charging rate associated with the connection type. If the accessory power interface  228  includes a DC to DC connection, the charging rate can be relatively high or fast, such as between 150 miles of range per charging hour to 300 miles of range per charging hour. This fast charging rate can require less than 30 minutes or less than 1 hour to transfer power from the accessory power pack  204  to the vehicle power unit  224 , depending on capacity, providing readily available range extension during operation of the vehicle  206  and allowing a user to avoid unnecessary stops to recharge the vehicle power unit  224  on longer trips. 
     The process  432  can continue to optional operation  442  (shown as optional in dotted line). In optional operation  442 , the accessory power pack  204  can send accessory sensor information captured by the accessory sensor  214  to at least one of the premises  202  or the vehicle  206 . Accessory sensor information that can be sent to the premises  202  can include information identifying a charge level of the accessory power pack  204 , information identifying a position of the accessory power pack  204  in relation to the recess  230  in the premises  202  to support efficient wireless charging, or imaging information to support security systems of the premises  202 . Accessory sensor information that can be sent to the vehicle  206  can include information that the accessory power pack  204  is supplying charge to the vehicle power unit  224 , that a locking mechanism (not shown) that secures the accessory power pack  204  to the vehicle has been tampered with or disabled (a security feature), or that another vehicle or pedestrian is proximate to the accessory power pack  204  to support vehicle safety systems. 
       FIG.  5    shows an example of a computing device  544  that may be used to implement the power ecosystems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    and the accessory power packs  304   a - f  of  FIG.  3   . In the illustrated example, the computing device  544  includes a processor  546 , a memory device  548 , a storage device  550 , one or more input devices  552 , and one or more output devices  554 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  556  that allows communication between the components. 
     The processor  546  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory device  548  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  550  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  552  may include sensors and/or any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  554  may include any type of device operable to send commands associated with communication or charging operations or provide an indication to a user regarding an authorization or status, such as a display screen, an interface for charging operations, or an audio output. 
     As used in the claims, phrases in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” should be interpreted to encompass only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources, such as from the premises sensor(s)  108 ,  208 , the accessory sensor(s)  114 ,  214 , or the vehicle sensor(s)  120 ,  220  to improve the function of a power ecosystem such as the power ecosystems  100 ,  200  of  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   . The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, and exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used in a power ecosystem to identify authorized users. Other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also possible. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. 
     Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of power ecosystems, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, changes in operation of a power ecosystem can be implemented for a given user by inferring user preferences or user status based on non-personal information data, a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the system, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210826
Publication Date: 20240423
Grant Date: 20240423
Priority Date: 20200916
Inventors: MACMANUS, STEVEN
ALLEN, MATTHEW J.
YEOMANS, PAUL D.
KAUFHOLD, PAUL D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60L53/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/65", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L50/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L50/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/7072", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T90/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T90/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/7072", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T90/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T90/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/65", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 78032509