EV Charging Connector Interlock Circuit Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting systems for electric vehicles fail to accurately detect which connector is abnormal among multiple connectors using a single control unit, leading to difficulties in maintenance and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system with a single control unit, featuring a male and female connector with an interlock circuit, a light-emitting load, and a ground switch, allowing for easy detection of abnormal connectors by measuring voltages and visually confirming detachment through the light-emitting load, and further diagnosing disconnection points using ground switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple control units are provided for multiple connectors, then each connector can be accurately detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two parts: the control unit measures voltage at the interlock circuit terminal, and the ground switch segment the circuit into testable sections. This segmentation allows a single control unit to detect multiple connectors by sequentially activating ground switches and measuring voltages at different points, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground switch acts as an intermediary element that enables the single control unit to test different connector sections. By introducing this intermediate component, the control unit can indirectly detect the status of multiple connectors through voltage measurements at different circuit points, avoiding the need for multiple control units while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a single control unit is used for multiple connectors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately detect which connector is abnormal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ground switch is activated in advance to create specific circuit conditions for testing. By preliminarily establishing the test circuit configuration through ground switch activation, the single control unit can systematically test each connector section and accurately identify abnormalities without needing multiple control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback in the form of voltage measurements at different circuit points. By measuring voltages and comparing them against expected values, the system generates feedback that enables the control unit to logically determine which connector is abnormal, maintaining detection accuracy with a single control unit.
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 efficient detection and diagnosis of abnormal connectors among multiple connectors with a single control unit, reducing maintenance time and improving the reliability of electric vehicle charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting load provided on the interlock circuit inside the male connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system for charging an electric vehicle may include a connector comprising a male connector connected to a battery side for supplying electric energy to a vehicle and a female connector connected to the male connector; an interlock circuit for constituting a closed circuit by connecting an interlock terminal of the male connector and an interlock terminal of the female connector to each other; a control unit having a built-in battery, and for measuring the voltages at both ends of the interlock circuit; a light-emitting load provided on the interlock circuit inside the male connector; and a ground switch provided on the interlock circuit inside the male connector.