Interchangeable EV Power Adapter Sockets for Safe Plug Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles lack a convenient and safe method to provide electricity to various electronic devices with different plug specifications, as existing solutions do not easily accommodate diverse plug types and fail to ensure safe electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle power adaptor module with a vehicle-sided connector and interchangeable socket, featuring multiple connector types (USB, Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, etc.) and safety features like voltage, current, and temperature detectors, which allows for easy plug compatibility and automatic power cutoff when unsafe conditions are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed connector design is used in electric vehicles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate electronic devices with different plug specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different plug typesVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is divided into two separable parts: a vehicle-sided connector that remains in the vehicle and an interchangeable socket that can be replaced. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different plug types by simply changing the interchangeable socket rather than redesigning the entire connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle-sided connector is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of interchangeable sockets (USB Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single vehicle-sided connector to support various electronic devices with different plug specifications through socket replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple safety detection features are added to the power adapter, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection safetyVSAvoidnumber of safety components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple safety detection functions (voltage detection, current detection, temperature detection) are merged into a single integrated control unit. This control unit processes signals from all sensors and coordinates the power supply control, reducing the need for separate control circuits for each safety feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power adapter incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor electrical parameters and temperature, and the control unit adjusts power supply based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures safety while automating the monitoring and response processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If an interchangeable socket system is implemented, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to socket replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different electronic devicesVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed connector to a dynamic interchangeable socket system where the socket can be easily replaced based on the device being charged. The detachable design allows users to switch between different socket types (USB Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, etc.) according to their needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable socket acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle-sided connector and various electronic devices. By replacing this intermediary element, users can adapt the system to different devices without modifying the vehicle-sided connector or the devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11837827B2Vehicle power adaptor module
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US11837827B2 patent drawing
  • US11837827B2 patent drawing
  • US11837827B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle power adaptor module includes a vehicle-sided connector and an interchangeable socket. The vehicle-sided connector includes a connector body and a first connecting portion. The first connecting portion is connected with the connector body. The connector body is configured to electrically connect with an electric vehicle. The interchangeable socket includes a socket body and a second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is connected with the socket body. The socket body is configured to electrically connect with an electronic equipment. The second connecting portion is configured to detachably connect with the first connecting portion.