Vehicle Charging Plug Unlocking via Hand Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require manual unlocking of the central locking system or additional operations to remove a charging plug from a vehicle's charging socket, which complicates the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor device and control unit that detects a person's hand gripping the charging plug handle, verifying vehicle unlock status and entry authorization to automatically unlock the plug for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual unlocking operations are required to remove the charging plug, then the charging socket remains secure and locked during charging, but the operation complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a user approaches with the charging plug and performs the unlocking operation without requiring manual intervention. The sensor detects the user's hand or body, the control unit checks authorization, and the locking mechanism is automatically actuated, allowing the charging plug to be removed without additional actions from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of unlocking the charging plug is replaced by an automated system combining sensor detection, control unit processing, and electronic actuation of the locking mechanism. This substitutes the need for manual mechanical manipulation with an automated electromechanical system.
2Reliability
If additional operations are required to unlock the charging plug, then the vehicle's central locking system remains secure, but the charging process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authorization checks and prepares the locking mechanism in advance. When the sensor detects the user approaching with the charging plug, the control unit has already verified the user's authorization and the vehicle's unlocked status, so the actual unlocking action occurs immediately without delay during the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the charging status, vehicle locking state, and user presence through the sensor. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically determines when to unlock the charging plug, ensuring security requirements are met while minimizing waiting time. The system only unlocks when both authorization is confirmed and the vehicle is in the appropriate state.
3Extent of automation
If a sensor device is integrated in the vehicle to detect hand gripping the charging plug handle, then automatic unlocking capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device serves multiple functions: it detects when a user approaches with the charging plug, identifies when the user is gripping the handle, and provides input for the control unit's authorization checks. By making the sensor multi-functional, the system achieves automatic unlocking capability without adding separate specialized sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables intuitive operation by allowing the charging plug to be removed without additional actions, simplifying the charging process and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device is designed to detect a person's hand, when inserting the charging plug into the vehicle charging socket, and the person grips the charging plug handle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for unlocking a charging plug inserted in a charging socket of a vehicle, a sensor device, which, when the charging plug is inserted in the charging socket of the vehicle, is designed to detect a person's hand when gripping a handle of the charging plug; a control device designed to check whether the vehicle is unlocked and/or the person is authorized to enter the vehicle, when the hand is detected, and unlock the charging plug inserted into the charging socket, if at least one of the two conditions has been successfully checked. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for unlocking a charging plug inserted in a charging socket of a vehicle.