Charging Station Controller Verification via Signal Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for charging autonomous devices, such as autonomous lawnmowers, fail to ensure that the charging controller is functioning properly, leading to potential safety risks due to improper charging, including the risk of fire.
Innovation Solution
A charging station and energy storage device system that detects secure electrical coupling through communication signals between the charging station and the device, only applying full charging voltage when communication signals are exchanged, ensuring the controller is operational and preventing improper charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive detection methods (resistance network or voltage level) are used to detect docking, then the detection process is simple, but the operational status of the charging controller cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the charging controller exchanges communication signals with the autonomous device through the charging contacts. The controller sends a request signal and waits for a response signal to verify its operational status. This feedback loop ensures that the charging controller is functioning properly before initiating charging, resolving the contradiction between simple detection and reliable verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging controller performs self-verification by attempting to establish communication with the autonomous device. Through the exchange of communication signals, the controller autonomously determines whether it is operational and capable of controlling the charging process, eliminating the need for external verification systems.
2Productivity
If full charging voltage is applied without verification, then charging efficiency is high, but safety risk increases due to potential improper charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying the charging controller's operational status through communication signal exchange before applying full charging voltage. The system performs this verification step in advance to ensure safety, only proceeding to high-efficiency charging once the controller is confirmed to be functioning properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism confirms the charging controller's readiness before initiating full power charging. The exchange of communication signals provides real-time information about the controller's status, allowing the system to safely apply full charging voltage only when verification is successful, thus balancing efficiency and safety.
3Reliability
If communication signal exchange is required for docking detection, then controller operational status is verified, but the detection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the charging contacts serve multiple functions: both electrical power transfer and communication signal exchange. By utilizing the existing charging contacts for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate communication interfaces, thereby verifying controller status without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transfer function and communication function into a single interface using the charging contacts. This consolidation allows the system to verify controller operational status through the same physical connection used for charging, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for electrically charging an electrical energy store (201, 303) by means of a charging station (101, 501), wherein electrical docking of the electrical energy store (201, 303) in the charging station (101, 501) is detected, characterized in that the charging station (101, 501) supplies electrical charging energy to the docked energy store (201, 303) when communication signals which are exchanged between the charging station (101, 501) and the docked energy store (201, 303) are detected. The invention also relates to a charging station (101, 501), to an electrical energy store (201, 303) and to a mobile device (301, 509).