Aircraft Charging Connector With Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optimization of the recharging process for electric aircrafts is complex due to the need for efficient charging methods that ensure safe and effective energy transfer, particularly in ensuring proper alignment and communication between the aircraft and charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a housing with current and control signal conductors, a proximity sensor, and a controller that communicates with the sensor to regulate current flow based on proximity detection, ensuring safe and efficient charging by preventing misalignment and optimizing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system is used for charging electric aircraft, then charging efficiency and safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for proximity sensors, controllers, and multiple conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector system: the housing mates with the aircraft port, multiple conductors (current and control signal) are bundled together, and the proximity sensor and controller are integrated within the connector assembly. This merging approach improves reliability by ensuring coordinated operation of all components while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor detects the presence and alignment of the aircraft port before charging begins. The controller uses this information to prepare the current conductors for safe connection, ensuring proper alignment and readiness before energy transfer starts. This preliminary detection and preparation action prevents misalignment issues and ensures safe charging initiation.
2Reliability
If proximity detection and current regulation are implemented, then charging reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives signals from the proximity sensor, regulates current flow based on detection results, and manages the charging process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high reliability through integrated control of detection and current regulation.
3Productivity
If multiple conductors are used for current and control signals, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent bundles multiple conductors (direct current conductors, alternating current conductors, and control signal conductors) together within a single housing structure. This merging of multiple conductors into one integrated assembly improves charging efficiency by enabling simultaneous power and control signal transmission while managing the complexity of having multiple conductors through unified structural organization.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect a connector for charging an electric aircraft, wherein the connector includes a housing includes to mate with an electric aircraft port of an electric aircraft. The connector also includes at least a current conductor configured to conduct a current. A current conductor may include a direct current conductor configured to conduct a direct current and an alternating current conductor configured to conduct an alternating current. A current conductor also includes at least a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal wherein each of the at least a conductor and the at least a control signal conductor are configured to make a connection with a mating component on the electric aircraft port when the housing is mated with the electric aircraft port. A connector further includes a proximity sensor and a controller. The controller may be configured to be communicatively connected to the proximity sensor.