EV Charge Coupler With Sequential Electrical-Mechanical Disconnect
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Charging devices for electric vehicles often experience uncontrolled electrical transmission when the mechanical connection is terminated without prior termination of the electrical connection, leading to performance degradation, reduced battery life, and inefficient charging.
Innovation Solution
A charging coupler with integrated electrical and mechanical disconnect switching, featuring a plug portion with multiple switches that sequentially disconnect electrical and mechanical connections through a specific rotational mechanism, ensuring controlled disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mechanical connection is terminated without prior termination of the electrical connection, then the disconnection process is simple and fast, but uncontrolled electrical transmission occurs leading to performance degradation and inefficient charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a rotational mechanism that automatically terminates the electrical connection before the mechanical connection is fully separated. The rotational movement of the coupler body sequentially actuates switching elements to break electrical contacts prior to complete mechanical disengagement, preventing uncontrolled electrical transmission during the disconnection process.
2Reliability
If multiple switches and rotational mechanisms are added to control disconnection sequence, then charging efficiency is improved and performance degradation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical switching function with the mechanical rotational movement by integrating multiple switching elements directly into the rotational mechanism. The rotational actuator simultaneously controls the sequence of electrical contact breakage and mechanical disengagement, combining what could be separate systems into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the sequential breaking of electrical contacts, manages the mechanical disconnection sequence, and coordinates the overall decoupling process. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control systems for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable charging efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge coupler with integrated electrical and mechanical disconnect switching can include a first member. A charging coupler can include a first member and a second member. The second member can be coupled at a first end with the first member. A charging coupler can include a first switch disposed at the first member and operable to cause, in response to a movement of the second member to a first angle with the first member that engages the first switch, a charging device to electrically decouple the charging device from a vehicle. A charging coupler can include a second switch disposed at the first member and operable to cause, in response to a movement of the second member to a second angle with the first member that engages the second switch, the charging device to mechanically decouple the charging device from the vehicle.