Charging Connector Half-Fitted Detection and User Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle charging systems do not provide a means to inform users of a half-fitted connector state, leading to potential misinterpretation of charging status and prolonged unattended connector connections.
Innovation Solution
A charging system equipped with a detector and informing portion that uses first and second signals to differentiate between fully fitted and half-fitted connector states, activating an indicator to notify the user of abnormal connections, thereby preventing misuse and ensuring proper charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional charging system is used without detection means, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot be informed of the half-fitted connector state leading to charging errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detector as an intermediary component between the connector and the charging control system. The detector monitors the connector fitting state and provides detection signals to the charging facility, enabling reliable detection of half-fitted states without requiring complex integration into the vehicle's main charging control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the connector state and provides real-time information to the charging facility through detection signals. The charging facility then provides feedback to the user through display or notification, creating a closed-loop system that ensures reliable charging operation by preventing charging when the connector is half-fitted.
2Loss of information
If no detection and notification mechanism is provided, then the system remains simple and cost-effective, but the connector may be left half-fitted causing charging failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with electronic detection. Instead of requiring users to manually check connector fitting, the detector uses electrical continuity detection through detection signals to automatically determine whether the connector is fully fitted, providing accurate state information without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of connector fitting status through the detector's automatic monitoring. The charging facility autonomously determines whether charging conditions are met based on detection signals, eliminating the need for users to manually verify connector status and reducing information loss.
3Ease of operation
If the connector can be detached freely without detection, then the ease of operation is high, but the charging reliability decreases due to undetected half-fitted states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial detection action by monitoring only the essential electrical continuity through detection signals rather than monitoring all possible connector states. This provides sufficient reliability for charging connection verification while maintaining ease of operation, as the detector only needs to determine whether the connector is adequately fitted for charging.
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging system is provided that includes a vehicle, a charging/discharging connector (220), a detector, and an informing portion. The vehicle is equipped with an electric power storage device, and also includes an inlet (60) for charging the electric power storage device. The charging/discharging connector (220) is a connector that is attached to and detached from the inlet (60) and that is connected to the inlet (60) in a fully fitted state, in which charging can be performed, and a half-fitted state, in which charging is not allowed. The detector includes an electronic control unit (50) for detecting whether a connecting state of the charging/discharging connector (220) is the fully fitted state or the half-fitted state. The informing portion includes an indicator (306) for informing a user of abnormal connection of the charging/discharging connector (220) on the basis of a detection result of the electronic control unit (50) when connection of the charging/discharging connector (220) is the half-fitted state.