EV Charging Connector Indicating Assembly for Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging stations lack additional indicators for charging status, relying solely on the charging box and vehicle for communication, which can be inconvenient for operators.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with a connector featuring an indicating assembly that provides visual feedback of charging status through light sources, allowing operators to determine if the vehicle is being charged, if there is an error, or if the station is ready to charge, via a signaling mechanism and interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging status indication is provided only on the charging box, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators cannot easily assess charging status
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station system is segmented into multiple indication locations: the charging box and the connector. The connector is further segmented into multiple light-emitting elements (first, second, and third light-emitting elements) that can independently indicate different charging states. This segmentation allows operators to assess charging status from multiple points, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating assembly in the connector acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the operator. It receives control signals from the control unit and converts them into visual light signals that operators can easily observe. This intermediary function bridges the gap between the complex internal control system and the user's need for simple status assessment.
2Loss of information
If multiple light sources are added to the connector for detailed charging status indication, then information completeness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating assembly uses multiple light-emitting elements that serve different functions: the first light-emitting element indicates connector connection status, the second indicates charging status, and the third indicates fault status. This multi-functionality allows a single indicating assembly to convey comprehensive charging status information, reducing information loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different parameters of the light-emitting elements to convey different information: different colors (wavelengths) and different on/off states represent different charging statuses. By changing these optical parameters rather than adding complex mechanical indicators, the system achieves complete information transmission with relatively simple manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are integrated into the connector, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating assembly is merged with the connector housing, integrating the light-emitting elements and their supporting structures into the existing connector body. This merging approach allows visual indicators to be added without requiring completely separate indicator devices, thus improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating assembly is controlled by the control unit based on real-time charging status, allowing the connector to automatically provide visual feedback without operator intervention. The system self-monitors charging parameters and automatically updates the indication status, improving ease of operation while keeping the control logic centralized to avoid excessive complexity.
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
Enables operators to easily assess charging status without relying solely on the charging box or vehicle, saving time and improving charging station usability by providing clear visual indications.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting element structured to be energized by the control unit in order to indicate that the connector is connected to the electric vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second light-emitting element structured to be energized by the control unit in order to indicate that the electric vehicle is being charged
Implementation Method 3
a third light-emitting element structured to be energized by the control unit in order to indicate a fault
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is for a charging station. The charging station has a charging box having a signaling mechanism. The connector includes an electrical receptacle structured to be electrically connected to the signaling mechanism; a housing coupled to the electrical receptacle; an indicating assembly coupled to the interior of the housing and structured to indicate a charging status state provided by the signaling mechanism; and an interface between the indicating assembly and the signaling mechanism in order to energize the indicating assembly and provide an indication of charging status.