EV Charging Socket Heating Module to Prevent Plug Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging sockets for electric or hybrid vehicles face icing issues when temperatures drop below freezing, causing the charging plug to become stuck due to melted water freezing after the charging process, especially in winter months.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heating module shaft in the charging socket that can be equipped with a heating module, allowing for heating of the socket to prevent and thaw ice, with the heating module controlled and operated on the vehicle side using the traction battery, and adaptable for different regions by varying the number and placement of heating modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating module is integrated into the charging socket, then icing between the charging plug and socket is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module is integrated into the charging socket by nesting it within the socket structure. The heating element is positioned inside the socket housing, allowing the socket to perform both its primary function of receiving the charging plug and the secondary function of heating to prevent icing, without requiring a separate standalone heating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging socket is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the electrical connection interface for charging and as a heating device to prevent icing. The heating module is controlled based on environmental conditions (temperature sensors detecting freezing conditions), allowing the socket to adaptively switch between charging-only mode and heating mode, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating equipment in cold climates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heating module is controlled on the vehicle side using the traction battery, then independent heating is achieved regardless of external charging structures, but the energy consumption from the traction battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module can be activated before the charging process begins or during brief intervals when no charging is occurring. By using the traction battery to preheat the socket in cold conditions before plugging in the charger, or to maintain temperature during idle periods, the system prevents ice formation without requiring continuous energy consumption during actual charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating module operates periodically rather than continuously, activated by temperature sensors that detect when the socket temperature approaches freezing point. The heating cycles on and off based on environmental conditions, consuming energy only when necessary to maintain the socket above freezing temperature, thereby minimizing impact on traction battery energy reserves.
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
Prevents icing between the charging plug and socket, enabling easy removal and allowing for independent heating regardless of external charging structures, reducing the risk of freezing in various climates without the need for different charging socket geometries.
Implementation Method 1
heat is generated at the connection between the charging plug and charging socket by the flowing charging current
Implementation Method 2
the charging socket has at least one heating module shaft which is adapted to receive a heating module
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging socket (1) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (9) for connection to a charging plug (11), a kit and an electric or hybrid vehicle (9) with a charging socket (1) according to the invention. The prior art solutions have the problem that after completion of the charging process, the charging socket (1) with the plugged-in charging plug (11) may ice up. The present invention can prevent such icing or remove existing icing by providing the charging socket (1) with at least one heating module shaft (17) configured to receive a heating module (19). In a kit, a charging socket can be equipped with any number of heating modules (19). The electric or hybrid vehicle (9) according to the invention has a charging socket (1) according to the invention.