External Power Supply Connector Plug Deterioration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external power supply systems face issues with plug deterioration when voltage is applied to the terminal portion of a dedicated power-supplying power cable, particularly when the electric plug is unplugged while voltage is present.
Innovation Solution
An external power supply connector with a control unit, a restricting member, and a signal outputting portion that detects the restricting state and prevents power supply when the plug is in an allowing state, ensuring the plug is not unplugged while voltage is applied, using a movable cover to switch between restricting and allowing states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a dedicated power-supplying power cable is used to supply power from the vehicle to external devices, then power supply capability is improved, but plug deterioration occurs when the plug is unplugged while voltage is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit proactively detects the plug detachment state through the detecting portion and immediately stops power supply before damage can occur. This preliminary detection and response prevents the harmful condition of unplugging under voltage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power supply capability and preventing plug deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting portion continuously monitors the connection state and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts power supply accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures power is supplied only when the plug is properly connected, preventing plug deterioration while maintaining efficient power supply when needed
2Speed
If voltage is continuously applied to the terminal portion for ready power supply, then power supply responsiveness is improved, but plug deterioration accelerates due to potential unplugging under voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains readiness by having the detecting portion continuously monitor connection status and the control unit prepared to immediately stop power supply upon detecting plug detachment. This preliminary preparation enables fast response to actual power supply needs while preventing damage from unplugging under voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply state dynamically transitions between on and off based on real-time detection of plug connection status. The system adapts its power supply state according to actual operational conditions, maintaining responsiveness when connected and preventing damage when disconnected
Data Source
AI summary
An external power supply connector attached to a vehicle-side connecting portion and control unit controlling the supply power to the vehicle-side connecting portion, supplying power from the vehicle to outside. The external power supply connector includes a body including an external connecting portion to an electric plug supplying power to a connected external device; a restricting member enables switching between restricting state wherein the electric plug is restricted from being attached and detached to and from the external connecting portion, and allowing state enabling the electric plug to attach and detach to and from the external connecting portion. A signal outputting portion outputs a signal to the control unit and detecting portion. The detecting portion detects the restricting state and allowing state of the restricting member. In allowing state, the signal outputting portion outputs a prohibiting signal from being supplied to the external power supply connector to the control unit.