Charging Port Cover Control for Automatic Connector Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual operation of opening and closing the charging port cover in new energy vehicles, such as electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, results in a poor user experience due to the need for active user intervention, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control method that utilizes environment information to automatically open the charging port cover when a charging connector is within a certain distance and threshold, considering the user's charging intention, ensuring compatibility, and verifying the user's authorization, thereby enhancing safety and reducing resource overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of charging port cover is used, then user can control opening and closing, but user experience deteriorates due to active intervention requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port cover automatically opens when the sensor detects a charging connector within threshold distance, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when opening is needed based on environmental sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of pressing buttons or switches is replaced by an automated sensing system that uses sensors to detect the charging connector and triggers automatic opening, substituting mechanical user action with an automated detection-actuation system
2Extent of automation
If automatic opening of charging port cover is implemented, then user experience improves, but resource consumption increases due to continuous sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, activating to detect charging connectors only when conditions suggest charging may be needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of the charging connector's presence before triggering the opening action, allowing the system to prepare for opening only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary sensor operation and energy waste
3Productivity
If charging port cover opens automatically, then charging efficiency improves, but safety risks increase due to potential accidental openings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides feedback about the charging connector's presence and position, allowing the control system to make informed decisions about opening. The system continuously monitors environmental information and adjusts its behavior based on real-time feedback to prevent accidental openings
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting the charging connector's presence and confirming it is within the threshold distance before executing the opening action, preventing accidental openings by ensuring the correct conditions are met
4Measurement precision
If sensor is always enabled for detecting charging connector, then detection accuracy improves, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is enabled periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is activated in advance of when detection is critically needed, allowing the system to prepare for potential charging events without maintaining constant sensor operation, balancing detection readiness with energy conservation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control method includes obtaining environment information within a preset range of a charging port cover of the vehicle; recognizing a charging connector based on the environment information; and controlling the charging port cover to open when a distance between the charging connector and the charging port cover is less than or equal to a first threshold such that the charging port cover can automatically open.