Electric Aircraft Charging Connector with Integrated Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implementing safe and efficient charging of electric vehicle batteries is complex due to the need for accurate monitoring and error detection in charging circuits to prevent damage to the batteries and ensure safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a computing device that receives measurement data from sensors, determines the operating conditions of the charging circuit, identifies errors, and transmits error information to a data storage system, incorporating both direct current and alternating current conductors to facilitate safe and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real-time monitoring and error detection systems are implemented in charging circuits, then battery safety and charging reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging safetyVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device performs preliminary error detection and classification by analyzing sensor data before charging issues can develop into dangerous conditions. The system proactively identifies potential problems in the charging circuit and battery module, allowing preventive measures to be taken before actual failures occur, thus improving reliability without requiring overly complex reactive safety systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device acts as an intermediary between the physical charging circuit components and the control systems. It receives data from multiple sensors, processes this information through standardized algorithms, and outputs error classifications that can be acted upon by various control mechanisms. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a unified interface between detection and control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and monitoring components are added to detect charging circuit errors, then measurement precision of battery conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery condition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device merges data from multiple sensors into unified measurements of battery condition and charging circuit status. By combining information from various sensing elements and processing it through integrated algorithms, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring capability without requiring each individual sensor to be overly complex. The merging of multiple data streams creates a more complete picture of system health while maintaining manageable component complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device performs self-diagnosis and error identification by analyzing its own sensor data and system performance. The system automatically detects anomalies, classifies errors, and identifies issues without requiring external intervention or additional complex diagnostic equipment. This self-service capability improves measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of external monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11852689B2Connector for charging an electric aircraft and a method of use for a connector for charging an electric aircraft
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 BETA AIR LLC
  • US11852689B2 patent drawing
  • US11852689B2 patent drawing
  • US11852689B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects relate to a connector for charging an electric vehicle and a method for its use. An exemplary connector includes at least a direct current conductor configured to conduct a direct current, at least an alternating current conductor, configured to conduct an alternating current, at least a computing device wherein the computer is configured to receive a measurement datum of a battery module from a communicatively connected sensor, determine an operating condition of the charging circuit; identify an error element as a function of the operating condition, and transmit the identification of the error element to a data storage system.