Charging Connector Lock Control for Uninterrupted External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems may inadvertently stop power supply to external devices when the charging connector is unlocked, even if only momentarily, reducing user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A control device for a locking mechanism that fixes a connector to a vehicle's inlet, allowing power supply to external devices to continue uninterrupted by performing specific operations while power is supplied in the locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device is switched to unlocked state when connector is unlocked, then the connector can be released, but power supply to external device is stopped unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts its response to unlock operations based on the power supply state. When power is being supplied to an external device, the control device ignores unlock operations to maintain power supply continuity. When no power is supplied, the control device responds normally to unlock operations. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes its operational parameter (response to unlock signal) based on the power supply state parameter. When the power supply parameter indicates active charging, the control device enters a protected state where unlock operations are disregarded. This parameter-based control strategy allows the system to maintain reliability during power supply while preserving ease of operation when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the locking device maintains locked state during power supply, then power supply continuity is ensured, but the user cannot switch to unlocked state when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two operational modes: a protected mode during power supply where unlock operations are ignored, and a normal mode when no power is supplied where unlock operations are processed. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability only when it does not compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively ignoring unlock operations detected during power supply. This prevents the harmful effect of unintended power supply interruption before it can occur, while still allowing the system to return to normal operation when power supply ceases.
3Productivity
If the connector is automatically locked again after unlocking, then charging can be resumed, but user convenience is reduced due to momentary power supply stop
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the unlock operation from taking effect during power supply. This blocks the chain of events that would lead to connector unlocking and subsequent power supply interruption, thereby maintaining user convenience while still allowing charging resumption through normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device converts the potentially harmful effect of unlock operations during power supply into a beneficial feature by using the power supply state as a protective barrier. This ensures that even if the user attempts to unlock the connector, the system interprets this as an unintended action and maintains the locked state, thereby preserving both power supply continuity and user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
ECU is a control device for a lock mechanism that fixes a connector such as an AC power supply connector to an inlet of a vehicle. The connector includes an AC powered connector for powering an electric device external to the vehicle. When the lock mechanism is controlled to be switched to the unlocked state while the lock mechanism is in the locked state and the power supply is being performed, the power supply to the external electric device is stopped. ECU controls to switch the lock mechanism to the unlocked state when the first operation (the operation of satisfying the connector unlock condition at the time of non-power supply) is performed during the non-power supply in the locked state, and maintains the locked state of the locking device when the first operation is performed during the power supply in the locked state.