EV Charging Terminal Arc Detection for Connector Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems face issues such as increased terminal temperatures and arcing during charging, which can damage charging components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an arc sensor in the vehicle charging system to detect arc events and control charging operations, including temperature sensors to monitor terminal temperatures and a charging controller to manage power supply based on these readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicle charging is performed using a charging connector and charging inlet assembly, then the battery system can be charged, but the temperature of the terminals increases which may lead to damage to the charging components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing arc detection monitoring before actual arc damage occurs. The system continuously monitors for arc events during charging operations and shuts down the charging process immediately upon detecting an arc, preventing terminal temperature increase and component damage before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop monitoring system that detects arc events in real-time and provides immediate feedback to the charging controller. When an arc is detected, the system automatically shuts down the charging process, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents temperature increase and component damage while maintaining efficient charging operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If vehicle charging is performed using a charging connector and charging inlet assembly, then the battery system can be charged, but arcing may occur between the charging components which can damage the charging connector and the charging inlet assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing arc detection monitoring before actual arc damage occurs. The system continuously monitors for arc events during charging operations and shuts down the charging process immediately upon detecting an arc, preventing component damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop monitoring system that detects arc events in real-time and provides immediate feedback to the charging controller. When an arc is detected, the system automatically shuts down the charging process, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents component damage while maintaining efficient charging operation.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent uses an arc detection sensor as an intermediary element that monitors the charging interface between the charging connector and inlet assembly. This intermediary detection system enables early warning of arc events before they cause damage to the actual charging components.
3Reliability
If arc detection is implemented using an arc sensor to detect arc events, then damage to charging components can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an arc detection sensor as an intermediary element that monitors the charging interface without requiring direct intervention in the charging process. This intermediary approach adds minimal complexity while providing effective arc detection and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the arc detection system automatically monitors and triggers shutdown without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by detecting anomalies and taking corrective action, minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
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 damage to charging components by immediately shutting off power supply during arc events and managing temperature to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Implementation Method 1
an arc sensor in the internal cavity configured to detect an arc event at the mating end of the DC charging terminal
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensors to monitor terminal temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system includes a housing having a mating end for mating with a charging component for the electric vehicle. The vehicle charging system includes a DC charging terminal held in a cavity of the housing and having a mating end for mating with the charging component. The vehicle charging system includes a charging controller for controlling vehicle charging. The vehicle charging system includes an arc sensor in the internal cavity configured to detect an arc event at the mating end of the DC charging terminal. The arc sensor is operably coupled to the charging controller to control the vehicle charging when the arc event is detected.