Charge Port Lid Control Using Water Detection Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lid opening and closing device for electric automobiles is prone to erroneous opening during rainy weather or car washing, leading to water infiltration into the power supply connector, which is undesirable for both electrical and fuel systems.
Innovation Solution
A lid opening and closing device equipped with a water detection unit and a control unit that prevents the lid from opening when water is detected, ensuring the lid remains closed even if an erroneous operation is performed, thereby preventing water infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid opening and closing device allows automatic opening operation without water detection, then convenience during refueling is improved, but erroneous opening during rainy weather or car washing occurs leading to water infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The water detection unit performs water detection before the lid opening operation is executed. The control unit checks the detection result in advance and only allows opening when no water is detected, preventing erroneous opening during rainy weather or car washing while maintaining convenience during dry refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the operation receiving unit and the drive mechanism. It receives operation signals, checks water detection status, and selectively activates the drive mechanism only when safe, thereby mediating between user convenience and system protection
2Reliability
If the lid opening operation is restricted when water is detected, then water infiltration is prevented, but the lid cannot be opened even when intentional opening is required during rainy weather
Solution Approach 1:
Water detection is performed in advance before allowing lid opening operation. This preliminary check ensures that opening only occurs when no water is present, preventing infiltration while still permitting intentional opening during dry conditions even if it is rainy outside
Solution Approach 2:
The water detection unit provides continuous feedback to the control unit about environmental water conditions. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically control the lid opening function, enabling opening when safe and preventing it when dangerous, thus adapting to changing conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A lid opening and closing device includes a base to which a receiving portion is attached, a lid capable of moving between closed and open positions, a drive mechanism including a drive source causing the lid to perform an opening operation, a first operation receiving unit receiving an opening operation and outputting a first signal, a water detection unit outputting a second signal when detecting water outside an automobile, and a control unit controlling the drive mechanism based on input states of the first and signal signals. The control unit executes the opening operation of the lid by the drive mechanism when the first signal is input while the second signal is in a non-input state, and does not execute the opening operation of the lid by the drive mechanism even when the first signal is input while the second signal is in an input state.