Charging Connector Error Detection via Resistance Voltage Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging systems for electric vehicles require multiple cables for different charging modes, leading to user inconvenience and potential electrical accidents due to improper coupling between charging devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a voltage generation unit, comparison unit, and control unit to determine the correct coupling between charging devices by generating voltages corresponding to resistance values, comparing voltage magnitudes, and controlling the operation of the in-cable control box (ICCB) to ensure safe and proper charging connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used for different charging modes, then charging compatibility is improved, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal charging cable that can detect and adapt to different charging modes (Mode 2 and Mode 3) through resistance detection. The single cable incorporates a control unit that automatically identifies the connected device type and configures appropriate charging parameters, eliminating the need for users to carry multiple specialized cables while maintaining full charging compatibility across different vehicle and charger combinations.
2Reliability
If coupling detection is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs coupling detection and device identification before initiating the charging process. The control unit measures resistance values during the connection phase to determine the correct charging mode, ensuring that safety verification is completed in advance. This preliminary detection prevents improper coupling from causing hazards while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture by integrating the detection function into the existing control circuitry.
3Measurement precision
If resistance-based detection is used, then coupling accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements resistance detection as a periodic or event-triggered operation that occurs only during connection events rather than continuously. The control unit activates the detection function when a connection is detected, measures the resistance to identify the charging mode, and then enters a low-power state during normal charging operation. This approach maintains high measurement precision for coupling detection while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous monitoring.
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
Prevents electrical accidents by ensuring correct coupling between charging devices, allowing for universal charging current settings and reducing the need for multiple cables, thus enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage generation unit that generates voltages corresponding to resistance values, respectively, of a plurality of charging devices that are hooked up to a connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes an apparatus for detecting an error in a coupling between charging devices and a method of detecting an error in a coupling between charging devices. The apparatus includes a voltage generation unit generating voltages that correspond to resistance values, respectively, of a plurality of charging devices that are hooked up to a connector; a comparison unit comparing magnitudes of voltage values of the generated voltages; and a control unit performing control in such a manner that, among the plurality of charging devices, a charging device preset to be matched based on results of comparing the magnitudes of the voltage values is operated only when hooked up to the connector.