Charging Port Lid Lock Control for Door-Independent EV Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems that synchronize lid lock devices with door lock devices during external charging hinder user convenience, as users cannot close the lid without unlocking the doors, requiring additional operations to disconnect charging connectors and close the lid after charging is complete.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that independently manages the lid lock device state relative to the door lock state during external charging, keeping the lid lock device unlocked until charging starts and locking it only when charging is complete, allowing users to close the lid without additional operations and ensuring secure disconnection of charging connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid lock device is synchronized with the door lock device, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates because the user cannot close the lid without unlocking the doors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of the lid lock device from the door lock device. The lid lock device is controlled independently based on charging state, while the door lock device operates according to conventional access control. This segmentation allows the lid lock to remain unlocked during charging operations without requiring door unlocking, thus improving user convenience while maintaining security through separate control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid lock device dynamically adjusts its state based on the charging status. When external charging is detected, the lid lock transitions to an unlocked state automatically, regardless of door lock status. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt to charging scenarios, allowing users to close the lid without additional operations while maintaining security during non-charging periods.
2Ease of operation
If the lid lock device is kept unlocked during external charging, then user convenience is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the charging state through feedback from the charging facility and vehicle charging system. Based on this real-time feedback, the lid lock device automatically adjusts its state - remaining unlocked during active charging and locking when charging is complete or not detected. This feedback-based control ensures security is maintained while enabling convenient lid closure during charging operations.
3Reliability
If additional operations are required to close the lid after charging, then security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically setting the lid lock device to an unlocked state before the user needs to close the lid after charging. When external charging is detected, the control device proactively unlocks the lid lock, preparing the system in advance for the anticipated lid closure operation. This eliminates the need for users to perform additional unlocking operations, saving time while maintaining security through automated state management.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first power receiving port, a first lid provided at the first power receiving port, a first lid lock device configured to switch the first lid between locked and unlocked states, and a controller configured to control the first lid lock device to a locked or unlocked state. When an entry door of the vehicle is locked while the first lid is open, the controller is configured to set the first lid lock device to the unlocked state until the first external charging is started, set the first lid lock device to the locked state when the first external charging is started, and set the first lid lock device to the unlocked state when the first external charging completes.