EV Charge Connector Detection via Lid Status Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric-powered vehicles face inconvenience due to malfunctioning detection systems that prevent them from traveling when an abnormality occurs in the connection between the vehicle and an external power supply, leading to potential damage to the charge cable and reduced user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual detection system comprising a first detection unit for checking the connection between the charge connector and cable, and a second detection unit for verifying the lid's closed state, with a vehicle control unit enabling travel if the lid is closed even if the primary detection is abnormal, and disabling travel if the lid is open or the connection is normal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection unit is used to detect connector connection status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the detection system deteriorates due to potential switch failure
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two independent detection units: a first detection unit that detects connector connection status and a second detection unit that detects lid opening/closing status. This segmentation allows the system to use multiple independent detection methods rather than relying on a single detection unit, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves as an intermediary element between the connector and the external environment. When the lid is closed, it physically prevents the connector from being accessed, providing a mechanical guarantee of disconnection. The second detection unit monitors the lid status to provide indirect verification of connector connection status, complementing the first detection unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle disables travel when detection system abnormality occurs, then the safety is improved by preventing cable damage, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to travel even when cable is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by having two independent detection units and a fallback mechanism. When the first detection unit shows abnormality, the system can switch to using the second detection unit's information, cushioning against the failure of the primary detection method and maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle control unit continuously receives feedback from both detection units and dynamically adjusts the travel enable/disable state based on the combination of detection results. When the first detection unit is normal, its result is used; when abnormal, the system feedback mechanism switches to rely on the second detection unit, ensuring appropriate safety measures while maintaining convenience.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle enables travel when detection system abnormality occurs with lid closed, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing travel, but the reliability of safety control deteriorates due to potential undetected connection
Solution Approach 1:
The lid acts as a physical intermediary that, when closed, mechanically ensures the connector cannot be accessed. The second detection unit monitors the lid status to provide indirect verification of connector disconnection. This intermediary mechanism provides an additional layer of safety assurance when the primary detection unit is abnormal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system has the lid closure mechanism prepared in advance as a physical safeguard. When the first detection unit shows abnormality, the closed lid state serves as a pre-prepared safety cushion, providing mechanical assurance that the connector is protected even if the electrical detection is unreliable.
Data Source
AI summary
An open/close detection unit detects whether a lid covering a charge connector is closed or opened, and outputs the result of detection to a vehicle control unit. A connection detection unit receives a first signal and detects whether a plug and the charge connector are connected or not based on the voltage of the first signal. The vehicle control unit determines, based on the result of detection by the connection detection unit and information about an external power supply indicated by a second signal, whether the first signal is normal. When the first signal is abnormal, the vehicle control unit determines, based on the result of detection by the open/close detection unit, whether the lid is closed. When the lid is closed, the vehicle control unit controls the vehicle state to be in the travel-enabled state.