Market Context — Why This Technology, Why Now

The automotive sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with consumers demanding more integrated and reliable power solutions for their growing array of in-car electronics. This trend is fueled by the proliferation of personal devices, the rise of "vehicle-as-a-hub" concepts, and increased participation in outdoor activities requiring portable power. Companies face competitive pressure to offer superior in-car experiences, making robust and intelligent power delivery systems a key differentiator. This technology provides a timely solution to meet these evolving market expectations.

Key Competitive Advantages
01

Enables stable, constant power supply to external devices by simply connecting to existing diagnostic ports, requiring no specialized knowledge.

02

Supports a wide range of external devices with diverse power connectors (USB, mini-USB, cigarette lighter), reducing the need for additional investment.

03

Ensures safer and more efficient power supply by detecting vehicle ON status and human-induced acceleration via a unique sensor.

Market Opportunity
In-Vehicle Accessories
$1B globally (AI est.)
The proliferation of in-vehicle electronic devices such as dashcams, smartphone chargers, and air purifiers is accelerating, increasing the need for power supply.
Automotive accessory manufacturers Consumer electronics brands Aftermarket parts suppliers
Outdoor & Leisure
$350M globally (AI est.)
The popularity of car camping and outdoor activities is rising, making stable power supply from vehicles essential for using portable devices and ensuring comfortable stays.
Outdoor gear manufacturers RV and camper van outfitters Portable power station brands
Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Power
$50M globally (AI est.)
The role of vehicles in disaster situations is being re-evaluated, and this technology could contribute as an emergency power source for information gathering and charging communication devices.
Emergency preparedness product suppliers Government fleet managers Utility service providers
IP Defensibility — Why Competitors Can't Replicate This
What This Patent Covers

This patent provides robust protection for a power supply adapter utilizing vehicle diagnostic connectors, encompassing its basic configuration and unique sensor-based power control. Its claims were established after overcoming examiner rejections and differentiating from 8 prior art documents, indicating strong stability and low invalidation risk.

Competitive White Space

This patent focuses on external device power via diagnostic ports. White space exists in integrating power delivery directly into vehicle infotainment systems or developing specialized power solutions for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) sensors.

Economic Impact
~$0.3M–$1.5M/year estimated revenue increase (AI est.)
estimated ROI · USD · AI analysis
ROI Calculation Logic

Products incorporating this technology could appeal strongly to users seeking easy, constant power solutions in the existing automotive accessory market. Assuming an added value of ~$35–$65 per vehicle (AI est.) and an annual sales increase of 10,000–20,000 units, annual revenue could increase by ~$0.3M–$1.5M (AI est.).

Speed to Market
5× faster than in-house development
This technology leverages existing vehicle diagnostic connectors and universal power connectors (USB, cigarette lighter), significantly reducing new hardware development. The core power control algorithm is established in the patent, and safety evaluation can apply existing techniques, making market entry within approximately six months realistic.
Competitive Positioning

X: Ease of Integration
Y: Feature Extensibility & Versatility

Business Models & Applications
🚗 Product Sales
Monetize by selling adapter products featuring this technology directly to consumers via automotive retail stores and online platforms.
🤝 OEM Supply
Support product line expansion by licensing this technology or supplying OEM products to automotive manufacturers and car accessory brands.
🔋 Service Collaboration
Partner with car-sharing and rental car companies to integrate this adapter as a standard feature, enhancing user experience and adding value to their services.
Adjacent Application Opportunities
🚚 運送・物流
IoT Device Power for Delivery Vehicles
This adapter could provide stable, constant power to IoT devices like GPS trackers and temperature sensors in delivery fleets. It optimizes vehicle battery load, potentially improving operational efficiency by 15% and enhancing data reliability for logistics management.
🚜 農業機械・建機
Portable Device Charging Station for Field Work
Deploying this adapter near the operator's seat in agricultural and construction machinery could create a charging station for smartphones, tablets, and radios. This solves on-site power challenges, potentially boosting worker productivity by 10-15% and ensuring critical communication.
🚌 公共交通
Passenger Charging Service for Buses & Taxis
Integrating this adapter into individual seats on buses and taxis could provide a passenger charging service for mobile devices. This enhances customer satisfaction, potentially increasing ridership by 5% and offering a key differentiator against competitors.
Integration Roadmap — Estimated 14-Month Deployment
Concept Verification & Design
Duration: 3 months
Verify basic functions (power supply, sensor control) of this technology, evaluate compatibility with the licensee's existing products and vehicle models, and conduct product design.
Prototype Development & Evaluation
Duration: 6 months
Develop a prototype based on the design, and conduct connectivity, power supply stability, unique sensor control logic functional evaluation, and safety tests in actual vehicles.
Mass Production Preparation & Market Launch
Duration: 5 months
Establish manufacturing processes for mass production, build quality control systems, confirm compliance with relevant regulations, and execute product market launch and sales strategy.
Technical Feasibility
This technology connects to standard vehicle diagnostic connectors (e.g., OBD-II ports), requiring no vehicle modification. It utilizes universal USB and cigarette lighter connectors, allowing integration with existing electronic component supply chains. The patent claims specify a sensor within the housing, enabling easy implementation as an integrated module with minimal additional wiring.
Success Scenario
Implementing this technology could enable companies to offer consumers new value, allowing safe, constant use of mobile devices in vehicles. This could enhance product competitiveness, potentially increasing annual sales by up to 20% through new customer acquisition. It is also estimated to contribute to an improved brand image.
Patent Record
APPLICATION NO.
特願2021-179312
REGISTRATION NO.
7178746
FILING DATE
2021/11/02
GRANT DATE
2022/11/17
EXPIRATION DATE
2041/11/02
PATENT HOLDER
株式会社ユピテル
Examination History
2021年11月02日
早期審査に関する事情説明書
2021年11月02日
出願審査請求書
2021年11月24日
早期審査に関する通知書
2021年12月28日
早期審査に関する通知書
2022年02月08日
拒絶理由通知書
2022年03月18日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2022年03月18日
意見書
2022年06月21日
拒絶査定
2022年09月06日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2022年09月13日
審査前置移管
2022年09月20日
審査前置移管通知
2022年11月01日
特許査定
2022年11月04日
審査前置登録