Charging Cable Locking Device for Electric Vehicle Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to ensure secure and authorized charging of electric vehicles in public areas, preventing unauthorized access and energy theft while ensuring that energy is only provided to paying users, as existing infrastructure lacks robust security measures for charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable locking device that integrates with the vehicle's central locking system and uses a transponder for secure locking and unlocking, coupled with a signaling device to control the charging current, ensuring the cable is locked when the vehicle is secured and unlocked when the user returns, and transmitting signals to the charging station to manage the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is used to secure the charging cable on the receptacle, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking device with the receptacle itself, integrating the locking mechanism into the existing structure. The locking device is formed as an integral part of the receptacle, merging two functions (receiving and locking) into a single component, thereby improving security without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves multiple functions: it receives the charging cable, provides electrical connection, and incorporates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated locking components, addressing the security requirement while managing device complexity
2Reliability
If the charging cable is locked during charging, then energy theft is prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking state is dynamic and changes based on the charging status. The locking device is automatically unlocked when the charging cable is removed from the receptacle, transforming from a locked to unlocked state. This dynamic behavior maintains security during charging while ensuring ease of operation when charging is complete
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through a signaling device that detects whether the charging cable is properly connected and locked. This feedback mechanism ensures the cable is secured during charging but automatically releases when removal is detected, balancing security with operational convenience
3Extent of automation
If a central locking system is integrated for cable locking, then security and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central locking system of the vehicle is utilized for dual purposes: securing the vehicle itself and locking the charging cable on the receptacle. This multi-use approach leverages existing automated infrastructure, achieving enhanced automation without adding a completely new locking system
Solution Approach 2:
The cable locking function is merged with the vehicle's existing central locking system. The same control mechanisms and actuators used for vehicle door locking are repurposed to control the charging cable lock, reducing the need for separate automation components
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Charging cable locking device for electric vehicles with a receptacle (2) on the vehicle for receiving a charging cable (4) that can be connected to a charging station (20), and a locking device (8) located on the receptacle (2) wherein the locking device (8) is designed to lock and release the charging cable (4) from the receptacle (2). Secure charging is possible in that the locking device (8) is coupled to a closure device (32) of a vehicle in such a manner that when the closure device (32) is activated, the charging cable (4) is lockable with the receptacle (2) and when the closure device (32) is deactivated, the charging cable (4) is releasable from the receptacle (2).