Charging Receptacle Detection Loop Immobilizes Battery Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered yard maintenance vehicles risk damage to charging components when the charging assembly is left plugged in and the vehicle is driven away, leading to potential damage to the vehicle, charger, and other objects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection loop in the charging receptacle that closes when the charger plug is connected, triggering the drive controller to immobilize the vehicle, preventing it from being driven until the charger is unplugged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle is designed to allow free movement during charging, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting charger connection status through the detection loop and proactively preventing vehicle operation before damage can occur. The drive controller monitors the detection loop circuit and blocks motor operation when a charger is connected, thereby preventing the harmful effect of component damage before it can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection loop circuit serves as an intermediary between the charging system and the drive controller. This intermediary circuit detects the presence of a connected charger and transmits this information to the drive controller, which then appropriately controls vehicle operation to prevent damage while maintaining normal functionality when charging is not connected.
2Reliability
If a detection loop is added to detect charger connection, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection loop functionality is merged with the existing charging receptacle structure. The detection loop uses the same electrical contacts that are already present for power transfer during charging, combining the detection function with the existing charging infrastructure rather than adding completely separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection loop circuit serves multiple functions: it detects charger connection status, provides information to the drive controller for operation control, and can potentially monitor charging state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery powered vehicle may include a battery power source, an electric drive motor, a charging receptacle, and a drive controller. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The electric drive motor may be operably coupled to a wheel of the battery powered vehicle to provide drive power for the battery powered 5 vehicle. The charging receptacle may be configured to enable charging of the battery power source via a battery charging assembly connectable to the charging receptacle. The charging receptacle may include circuitry forming a detection loop closed responsive to operable coupling of the charging receptacle with a charger plug of the battery charging assembly. The closing of the detection loop may generate an indication that the charging 10 receptacle is operably coupled to the charger plug. The drive controller may include processing circuitry configured to implement a mobility restriction at least with respect to operation of the electric drive motor responsive to the indication.