Motion Detection for EV Charging Device Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging devices for electric vehicles are vulnerable to accidental movement due to external forces such as vehicle collisions or natural disasters, which can lead to unsafe operation and potential damage, necessitating a solution to safely discontinue power output when excessive motion is detected.

Innovation Solution

A charging system equipped with a motion detection device and a controller that generates a signal when movement exceeds a predefined limit, discontinuing electrical power output and alerting operators or users through visual, audio, or communication means to prevent damage and ensure safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the charging device operates in a publicly accessible location to enable vehicle charging, then the convenience and accessibility of charging is improved, but the risk of accidental collision and damage to the charging device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of charging deviceVSAvoidrisk of collision damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detection device continuously monitors the charging device for excessive motion before damage can occur. By detecting motion early and triggering a preventive shutdown of the power output, the system takes preliminary action to avoid the harmful effects of collision damage, wire exposure, and unsafe operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful effect of motion (collision) into a useful detection signal. The motion detection device transforms the harmful physical impact into an electrical signal that triggers the controller to shut down power output, thereby converting a harmful event into a protective mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If the charging device provides high voltage and current output to charge vehicles efficiently, then the charging speed and power delivery are improved, but the safety risk to the public and device integrity worsens when motion is detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging power outputVSAvoidsafe operation under motion
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detection device provides continuous feedback about the charging device's motion state to the controller. When excessive motion is detected, the feedback signal triggers the controller to immediately shut down the power output, creating a closed-loop safety system that maintains reliability by adapting power delivery based on real-time motion conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power output based on motion conditions. During normal stationary operation, the charging device provides full power output for efficient charging. When motion is detected, the system dynamically transitions to a shutdown state, allowing the power delivery to adapt to changing safety conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively prevents unsafe operation and potential damage by discontinuing power output when excessive motion is detected, ensuring the safety and integrity of the charging device and preventing exposure of wires, thereby maintaining operational safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a motion detection device configured to provide a signal corresponding to a motion of the charging device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2624408B1Methods and systems for controlling a charging device
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2624408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2624408B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A charging device (20) configured to receive power from a power source (28) is described. The charging device includes a motion detection device (44) configured to provide a signal corresponding to a motion of the charging device. The charging device also includes a system controller (38) communicatively coupled to the motion detection device and configured to determine if the motion of the charging device has exceeded a predefined limit.