Vehicle Charging Port Mode Detection Using Multi-Signal Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for electric vehicles that switch between charging and supplying modes often incorrectly determine the operating mode due to signal failures or poor contact, leading to potential electrical short circuits and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect multiple values such as voltage presence, PLC communication, connector fit, cable connection, and rated current to reliably determine whether the system is in charging, supplying, or power stop mode, using a combination of these values to prevent erroneous mode determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single control signal is used to determine operating mode, then the system is simple to operate, but the reliability of mode identification deteriorates due to signal failures or poor contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of mode determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of mode identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single control signal is segmented into multiple detection parameters including voltage presence detection, PLC communication detection, connector fit detection, cable connection detection, and rated current detection. Each parameter is independently evaluated to determine the operating mode, preventing erroneous determination due to failure of any single signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each detection parameter provides information about the connection status and operating conditions. The control device综合分析 these feedback signals to accurately determine whether the system is in charging mode, supplying mode, or power stop mode, thereby improving reliability through multiple verification points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple detection parameters are used to determine operating mode, then the reliability of mode identification is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of mode identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging/supplying mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to handle both charging and supplying operations through a single common connection portion. The control device integrates multiple detection functions (voltage detection, PLC communication, connector fit, cable connection, current detection) into one unified system that accurately determines operating mode without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures accurate identification of the operating mode, reducing the risk of electrical failures and equipment damage by considering multiple detection values rather than relying solely on a single control signal.

Implementation Method 1

a detection value corresponding to the presence or absence of a voltage applied from the first external device to the vehicle, the detection value being detected in an electric power channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a detection value corresponding to the presence or absence of PLC communication detected in the electric power channel provided between the vehicle and the first external device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPLC communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3854622B1Method for identifying operating mode of charging/supplying system between vehicle and exterior, and system for identifying operating mode of the system by the identifying method
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3854622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3854622B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An operating mode of a charging/supplying system in which a vehicle is connected with a first external device or a second external device via a connecting portion used in common in a charging mode in which an electric storage device installed on the vehicle is charged with electric power from the first external device and a supplying mode in which electric power is supplied from the vehicle to the second external device, and which is operable in a selected one of the charging mode and the supplying mode, is identified. More specifically, a plurality of detection values are detected from at least one electric connection channel provided between the vehicle and the first external device or the second external device via the connecting portion, and it is determined whether the operating mode of the charging/supplying system is the charging mode or the supplying mode, based on a combination of the plurality of detection values.