EV Charging Connector Illumination With Motion-Triggered Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of establishing a connection between a charge source and a charge receiver in electric vehicle charging systems is often difficult in low visibility conditions, such as at night or in bad weather, due to inadequate illumination of the charging port and cable area.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a charging connector with a light source, motion sensor, and controller is used to illuminate the charging port, activated by the motion sensor to improve visibility during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to the charging connector, then visibility of the charging port is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, motion sensor, and controller into an integrated illumination assembly that is attached to the charging connector. This merging of multiple functional components into a single unit provides illumination without significantly increasing the complexity of the charging connector itself, as the illumination assembly operates as a cohesive module.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor acts as an intermediary that detects the presence of a user and triggers the light source accordingly. This intermediary component enables automatic activation of illumination only when needed, improving visibility while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and maintaining simplicity in normal operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a motion sensor and controller are added to activate the light source, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector system performs self-service by using the motion sensor to automatically detect user presence and trigger the light source without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically manages the activation and deactivation of the light based on motion detection, making the connection process easier while the added complexity is confined to the automated control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor detects user approach in advance and activates the light source before the user actually needs to connect the charger. This preliminary action ensures that illumination is already available when the user reaches for the charging port, improving ease of operation by eliminating any delay in visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is continuously activated, then visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous activation, the light source operates periodically based on motion detection. The controller activates the light only when motion is detected near the charging port and deactivates it when no motion is present, creating an on-demand illumination pattern that maintains visibility when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides feedback to the controller about the presence of a user, which in turn controls the light source activation. This feedback loop ensures that the light is activated only when a user is nearby and needs illumination, automatically adjusting energy consumption based on actual usage conditions rather than operating continuously.
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
Enhances the ability to easily connect the charging connector to the charging port by providing targeted illumination, reducing the effort required in low visibility situations.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the charging connector
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to emit radiation in a predetermined direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for illuminating an electric car charging apparatus, or the like, so that connection between a charge source and a charge receiver can be more easily established during situations of poor visibility, e.g., at night, bad weather etc. The system and method comprise a motion detector capable of detecting motion of a charging connector, and in the event of motion, a light is turned on to illuminate the charging area. The invention also relates to an add on device that can be fitted to existing charging systems to achieve the same illuminating result.