Charging Conversion Adapter With Locked Power Terminal Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plug-in charging systems, the use of conversion adapters can lead to unintended operations when the charging cable is connected to one end while the vehicle inlet is not connected to the other end, causing the charging equipment to erroneously determine the connection and initiate charging, resulting in exposure of the second end and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A conversion adapter with a connection prevention mechanism, including a lid and lock device or movable pins, that prevents connection between the power terminal and charging cable until the vehicle inlet is properly connected, ensuring the correct connection order by controlling the mechanism with a controller to receive a detection signal before allowing power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conversion adapter is used to connect charging cable and inlet, then compatibility between different charging standards is achieved, but unintended operations may occur when only one end is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection prevention mechanism is activated in advance before the charging cable can be connected to the power terminal. The lid covers the power terminal and the lock device locks it in position, preventing accidental connection before the adapter is properly connected to the vehicle inlet, thus ensuring charging operation safety while maintaining compatibility between different charging standards
Solution Approach 2:
The connection prevention mechanism acts as an intermediary between the charging cable and the power terminal. It includes a lid that physically blocks access to the power terminal and a lock device that secures the lid, serving as a mediating structure that prevents unintended operations while allowing proper charging connections when needed
2Productivity
If the charging cable is connected to the first end of the conversion adapter, then power can be supplied, but the charging equipment may erroneously determine that the cable is connected to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The connection prevention mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by blocking the power terminal before the charging cable can make contact. The lid covers the power terminal and the lock device prevents opening, actively preventing the erroneous connection status detection that would otherwise occur when the charging cable is connected to an unconnected adapter
3Ease of operation
If the second end of the conversion adapter is exposed, then connection is possible, but safety issues arise from unintended operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is positioned to cover the power terminal in advance, and the lock device is engaged to secure the lid before any connection attempt. This preliminary protective action ensures that even when the adapter is accessible, the power terminal remains protected, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining ease of operation when properly connected
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and lock device form an intermediary protective barrier between the exposed second end of the adapter and the power terminal. This intermediary structure allows the adapter to remain accessible for proper connection while preventing unintended operations that would create safety hazards
Data Source
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AI summary
A conversion adapter (4) is configured to be connected between a charging cable (3) extending from a charging station (2) and an inlet (11) included in a vehicle (1). The conversion adapter (4) includes a cable connector (41) configured to be connected to the charging cable (3), and a vehicle connector (42) configured to be connected to the inlet (11). The cable connector (41) includes: a power terminal (412) that receives supply of a charging power from the charging station (2) via the charging cable (3); and a lid (44) and a lock device (45) that are configured to mechanically prevent a connection between the power terminal (412) and the charging cable (3). The lid (44) and the lock device (45) prevent the connection between the charging cable (3) and the power terminal (412) until the vehicle connector (42) and the inlet (11) are connected together, and removes prevention of the connection between the charging cable (3) and the power terminal (412) after the vehicle connector (42) and the inlet (11) are connected together.