Charge Port Pilot Line Switching for Automatic EV Charge Retry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems require manual intervention by users to disconnect and reconnect the charge cable after an unsuccessful charge attempt, which can be inconvenient and requires monitoring by customers to ensure a new charge cycle starts, especially in cases of faults or timeouts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating pilot and proximity relays controlled by a battery control module to simulate the disconnection and reconnection of the charge plug, allowing the vehicle to automatically reset the charging session and manage retry counts, thereby eliminating the need for user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disconnection and reconnection of charge cable is required after unsuccessful charge attempt, then user can control the charging process, but user convenience deteriorates and monitoring burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control module automatically performs the disconnection and reconnection of the charge cable without user intervention. The system monitors charging status, detects unsuccessful attempts, and autonomously executes the retry sequence by controlling the charge port connector, thereby making the system serve itself rather than requiring user action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of unplugging and plugging in the charge cable with an automated control system. The vehicle control module uses electronic control signals to actuate the charge port connector, substituting the mechanical user action with an automated electromechanical system that performs the same function
2Loss of time
If charge cable disconnection and reconnection is automated, then user monitoring burden is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control module performs multiple functions: it monitors charging status, detects faults and timeouts, controls the charge port connector for disconnection and reconnection, and manages the retry logic. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control module, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
3Reliability
If multiple retry cycles are implemented automatically, then charging reliability improves, but charge operation duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic retry cycles with a predetermined maximum number of attempts. Between retries, the system performs disconnection and reconnection actions at defined intervals. This periodic structure allows the system to systematically attempt charging recovery while imposing a hard limit on the total duration, preventing indefinite retry cycles that would excessively extend the charge operation time
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a charge system, in response to detecting occurrence of a predefined condition, commands switches of pilot and proximity communication lines to open. This severs a physical communication link between a charge port that is configured to receive a plug of electric vehicle supply equipment and the controller. The controller, after expiration of a predetermined period of time, may command the switches to close to reestablish the physical communication link.