Charging System Malfunction Detection via Pilot Signal and Voltage Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging system standards lack a specific method to determine whether a malfunction exists, particularly when the pilot signal is not detected due to oscillator malfunctions or broken harnesses, or when the EVSE is disconnected or experiences power failures.
Innovation Solution
A malfunction determining apparatus and method that utilize a voltage sensor and control unit to assess the output state of the pilot signal and detected voltage, synchronizing these to determine if a malfunction is present, by comparing the pilot signal output with the voltage state, and using threshold values to differentiate between normal and malfunctioning conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pilot signal is used to notify the vehicle of EVSE connection status, then the charging system can be controlled, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between normal disconnection and malfunction when the pilot signal is not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage sensor as an intermediary element that detects the voltage state of the power source within the vehicle. This mediator provides additional information that, when combined with the pilot signal output state, enables reliable malfunction determination without adding complex detection systems. The voltage sensor acts as a simple yet effective intermediary that bridges the gap between the power source and the control unit.
2Device complexity
If the pilot signal output state alone is used to determine connection status, then the system remains simple, but erroneous determination occurs when voltage supply is interrupted or power fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives both the pilot signal output state and the voltage state detected by the voltage sensor. By comparing these two pieces of information, the system provides feedback to determine whether a malfunction has occurred. This dual-input feedback approach ensures reliable malfunction determination while maintaining system simplicity, as the control unit already exists and only needs to process additional voltage state information.
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU executes a program including a step of determining that a pilot wire for transferring a pilot signal CPLT, which is output when a charging cable is connected to a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an external power source, to the ECU is broken, when output of the pilot signal CPLT is currently stopped and a voltage VAC of the external power source (absolute value of voltage VAC) detected by a voltmeter provided within the plug-in hybrid vehicle is greater than zero.