Charging Station Cable Theft Deterrent via Safety Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Charging cables with high current-carrying capacity, especially those used in fixed installations, are prone to theft due to their significant metal content, posing a challenge for securing them against theft while ensuring safety.
Innovation Solution
A 'fixed' charging cable is electrically and mechanically connected to a charging station with a safety line that remains permanently at an electrical potential, independent of the charging process, to deter theft by causing an electric shock if attempted to be cut, and is routed in a way that makes it impossible to disconnect without damaging the safety line, combined with a monitoring system to detect any tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fixed charging cable with high current-carrying capacity is used, then the charging power and conductivity are improved, but the cable becomes more susceptible to theft due to significant metal content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful factor of electrical potential into a protective mechanism. A safety line is permanently connected to electrical potential (mains voltage) and routed within the charging cable. If a thief attempts to cut or damage the cable, the exposed safety line delivers an electric shock, deterring theft. This transforms the potentially dangerous electrical energy into a protective deterrent while maintaining the cable's high power transmission capability for legitimate charging purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-installing the safety line within the cable structure before any theft attempt occurs. The safety line is permanently connected to electrical potential and positioned to be exposed if the cable is damaged. This preventive measure is always in place, proactively deterring theft before it happens, rather than responding to theft attempts after they occur.
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
Effectively prevents cable theft by creating an electric shock hazard and ensures personal safety, while the monitoring system alerts operators of any damage, thus securing the cable and maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A charging cable (8) with connection lines (32) for an electric vehicle is arranged at a charging station (2)... at least one safety line (28) is arranged in the charging cable (8), at least partially bridging the charging protection circuit (12), which is permanently connected to an electrical potential
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Charging station with a mains supply connection, an attached charging cable with connecting lines for an electric vehicle and a charging protection circuit connected between the mains supply connection and the charging cable, characterized in that at least one safety line in the charging cable is permanently connected to an electrical potential, at least partially bridging the charging protection circuit.