EV Connector Lock Control Based on Charging Plug Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically powered vehicles face issues with user misunderstandings regarding the type of connector attached, leading to incorrect assumptions about charging or discharging operations due to a lock mechanism that does not differentiate between different types of connectors.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is equipped with a detection system that identifies the type of connector attached to the inlet and controls a lock mechanism based on the type of power exchange capability, ensuring the lock mechanism is set to a state that aligns with the connector's function, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring appropriate operations can be performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock mechanism is set to lock the connector and inlet irrespective of the connector type, then the connector is securely locked during charging or discharging operations, but the user may have misunderstandings about the attached connector type and perform incorrect operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static always-locked state to a dynamic state that adapts based on connector type detection. The control device receives detection results from the detection device and selectively activates the lock mechanism only when a charging connector is identified, creating a dynamic response that resolves the contradiction between security and user clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the detection device to identify connector type and providing this information to the control device, which then adjusts the lock mechanism state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the lock mechanism responds appropriately to the actual connector type, preventing user misunderstandings while maintaining security when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is set to unlock state for all connector types, then the user can easily remove the connector, but the connector may be accidentally removed during charging or discharging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism changes from a static always-unlocked state to a dynamic state that responds to connector type detection. When a charging connector is detected, the lock mechanism automatically transitions to the locked state to prevent accidental removal, while remaining unlocked for other connector types, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device provides real-time feedback on connector type to the control device, which adjusts the lock mechanism state accordingly. This feedback ensures the lock mechanism is activated only when a charging connector is present, preventing accidental removal during charging while maintaining easy removal for non-charging connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detection device and control system are added to differentiate connector types, then the lock mechanism can be controlled appropriately according to connector type, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it identifies connector type, provides this information to the control device, and enables appropriate lock mechanism control. By making the detection device multi-functional, the system achieves connector type recognition and adaptive lock control without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thus managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device integrates the detection result processing and lock mechanism control functions into a single coordinated system. Rather than having separate independent systems for detection and locking, the control device merges these functions, receiving detection information and automatically adjusting the lock state, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU performs processing including: a step of obtaining a pilot signal CPLT and a connector connection signal PISW; a step of determining, when a connector is attached, a type of the connector; a step of controlling, when there is a function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, the connector to be set to a lock state; a step of performing control corresponding to the attached connector; and a step of maintaining, when there is no function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, an unlock state of the connector.