EV Charging Connector Anti-Theft Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging connectors are vulnerable to theft during extended charging sessions, especially when users leave their vehicles unattended, as existing solutions do not effectively prevent unauthorized separation or theft.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft method and apparatus that verifies the connection between the vehicle socket and charging plug, locks them during charging, and uses a smart-key system for user authentication to determine unlock conditions, outputting warnings if separation occurs without proper authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging connector is left unattended during extended charging sessions, then the charging operation can be performed without continuous user presence, but the charging connector becomes vulnerable to theft or unauthorized separation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication through smart-key communication before enabling charging, and pre-arranges the locking mechanism to engage automatically upon connection. This preliminary action ensures security measures are in place before the charging session begins, allowing unattended operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the charging connector and the locking mechanism. The controller receives authentication results, determines unlock conditions, and controls the locking/unlocking operations. This intermediary enables automated security management without requiring continuous user presence.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to prevent theft, then the charging connector security is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing charging connector structure, integrating the lock into the connector housing rather than adding a separate independent system. The controller is integrated with the charging management system, combining multiple functions into unified components to minimize overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated authentication and locking control. The controller automatically determines unlock conditions based on smart-key authentication results and controls the locking mechanism without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex user interfaces and manual control systems.
3Reliability
If authentication procedures are required for unlocking, then the anti-theft effectiveness is improved, but the charging operation time increases due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication through smart-key communication before the charging session begins or immediately upon connection. By completing the authentication procedure in advance, the actual charging time is not extended, as the authentication occurs during the connection establishment phase rather than during the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the charging state and communicates with the smart-key system to determine unlock conditions. The system provides feedback by checking authentication status at predetermined intervals or upon separation signal reception, enabling rapid response without requiring continuous user presence or extending charging time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a charging connector anti-theft apparatus includes: verifying a connection between a socket of a vehicle and a charging plug included in a charging connector outside of the vehicle; locking the socket and the charging plug upon initiation of charging the vehicle; determining unlock conditions of the charging plug through communication with a smart-key; and outputting a warning sound or warning light upon reception of a separation signal indicating that the socket and the charging plug have been separated when the determined unlock conditions are not satisfied.