EV Charging Cable UV Indicators for Trip Hazard Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging cables pose safety hazards due to obstruction and trip risks, and operate at high voltages, which can lead to electrocution risks.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging station equipped with UV light sources that illuminate indicators along the cable, making them visible under UV light, reducing trip hazards and enhancing safety by alerting users to the cable's presence, while minimizing visible light pollution and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible light sources are used to illuminate the charging cable, then the cable visibility is improved, but visible light pollution and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from visible light to ultraviolet light (wavelengths below 400nm, preferably 380-400nm). This parameter change allows the system to illuminate indicators on the cable without producing visible light pollution, while UV LEDs consume significantly less energy than traditional visible light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional visible light illumination systems with a UV LED-based system combined with photoluminescent indicators. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power visible light sources while achieving better cable visibility through the photoluminescent effect, reducing energy consumption by orders of magnitude.
2Illumination intensity
If UV light sources are used to illuminate indicators, then cable visibility is improved with minimal visible light pollution, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photoluminescent indicators that automatically convert UV light into visible light without requiring external power sources, control circuits, or additional components. The indicators self-illuminate when exposed to UV light, eliminating the need for complex control systems while achieving effective cable visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If the UV light sources are directed downward, then the visibility of indicators on the ground or cable is improved, but the risk of UV exposure to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs UV light locally onto specific photoluminescent indicators positioned on the cable or ground, rather than illuminating the entire area. This localized approach ensures that UV exposure is confined to small, controlled areas where indicators are present, minimizing overall UV exposure risk while maintaining effective indicator visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves safety by highlighting potential trip hazards and reducing the risk of electrocution, while minimizing visible light usage and energy consumption, thus providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
The UV light source may comprise a UV light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
one or more indicators, the indicators being configured to emit visible light in response to absorbing UV light. The one or more indicators may be at least partly photoluminescent.
Implementation Method 3
The one or more UV light sources may comprise a filter configured to filter out visible light. The filter may be a band-pass filter.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging station. The electric vehicle charging station comprises a charging outlet, the charging outlet being configured to couple to an electric vehicle charging cable. The electric vehicle charging station further comprises one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to illuminate one or more indicators.