EV Charging Connector Locking via Door State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems lack safety measures to prevent disconnection of charging cables during charging, especially when the operator moves away from the vehicle, posing safety and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for electric vehicles that includes a connector locking mechanism, activated by a solenoid coil, which locks the power supply connector and power reception connector when the vehicle door is locked, ensuring they remain connected during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging cable is simply connected to the charging port without a locking mechanism, then the charging operation can be performed, but the charging cable may become disconnected which is undesirable in terms of safety and crime prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The connector locking mechanism is integrated with the door locking system. The same control unit that manages door locking also controls the connector locking, and the locking actuator is positioned within the charging port assembly. This merging of functions allows the charging cable to be locked without requiring a separate independent locking system, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector locking mechanism automatically engages when the door is locked, and automatically releases when the door is unlocked. The system uses the door lock state as a trigger signal, eliminating the need for separate manual operation or additional sensors to detect charging cable presence. The locking action is self-actuated based on the door lock condition.
2Reliability
If the connector locking mechanism is always engaged to prevent disconnection, then safety is improved, but the charging cable cannot be easily disconnected when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on the door lock condition. When the door is locked, the connector is locked to prevent disconnection. When the door is unlocked, the connector is automatically released, allowing easy removal. This dynamic behavior ensures both security during charging and ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the door lock state as feedback to control the connector locking mechanism. The control unit monitors the door lock condition and automatically adjusts the connector lock state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the connector is locked only when appropriate (door locked) and unlocked when the door is opened, providing both security and operational convenience.
3Reliability
If the solenoid coil is continuously energized to maintain the locked condition, then the connector remains securely locked, but power consumption increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid coil is energized only periodically when the door lock state changes, rather than being continuously energized. The control unit energizes the solenoid to switch the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked states based on door lock events. After the state change, the solenoid is de-energized and the mechanism maintains its position through mechanical latching, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining locking reliability.
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 solution enhances safety by preventing accidental disconnection of charging cables and reducing the risk of vandalism, while also optimizing power usage and durability of the connector locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the connector locking mechanism includes a solenoid coil, and the connector locking mechanism is switched to the restrained condition when the solenoid coil is de-energized and switched to the released condition when the solenoid coil is energized
Data Source
AI summary
To secure safety in an electric vehicle during charging, the electric vehicle is provided with a high voltage battery and a charging port portion for charging the high voltage battery. A power reception connector and a connector locking mechanism are provided in the charging port portion, and a fitting hole is formed in a power supply connector disposed on an external power supply side. The connector locking mechanism is switched between a restrained condition, in which a locking pin is inserted into the fitting hole, and a released condition, in which the locking pin is retracted from the fitting hole. A vehicle control unit for controlling the connector locking mechanism switches the connector locking mechanism to the restrained condition when a door is locked, and switches the connector locking mechanism to the released condition when the door is unlocked. Thus, the connection condition between the power reception connector and the power supply connector can be maintained even when a passenger locks the door and moves away from the electric vehicle, and as a result, safety can be secured during charging.