Charging Receptacle Lock Pin Dynamics for EV Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for immobilizing electric or hybrid electric vehicles during charging are not effective in all situations, as the electric park brake may not sufficiently prevent vehicle movement during charging.
Innovation Solution
A charging system that includes a movable lock pin within the charging receptacle, controlled by a module generating signals based on vehicle speed and door position, to ensure immobilization by obstructing or allowing access to the charging interface accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric park brake is applied to immobilize the vehicle for charging, then the vehicle is immobilized during charging, but the electric park brake may not be effective to immobilize the vehicle in all situations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is made dynamically controllable based on real-time monitoring of vehicle speed and door position. The system transitions from a static immobilization method (electric park brake only) to a dynamic system that adjusts the lock pin position based on charging conditions, ensuring reliable immobilization when the charging door is open and the vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 2:
A control module is introduced as an intermediary between the charging system components (lock pin, door sensor, speed sensor) and the power supply connection. This intermediary coordinates the interaction between multiple sensors and actuators, enabling the lock pin to extend or retract based on combined signals from the door position sensor and vehicle speed sensor, thereby resolving the limitation of using only the electric park brake
2Reliability
If the lock pin is extended to prevent access to the receptacle, then vehicle immobilization is ensured, but access to the charging interface is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time charging conditions. When the charging door is open and vehicle speed is zero (indicating proper charging setup), the lock pin retracts to allow access. When the door closes or vehicle moves, the lock pin extends to prevent access and ensure immobilization. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors door position and vehicle speed, using this feedback to automatically control the lock pin position. The feedback loop ensures the lock pin is extended only when necessary (door closed or vehicle in motion) and retracted when charging conditions are met (door open, vehicle stationary), eliminating the need for manual intervention and resolving the access contradiction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door.