EV Charging Connector Adapter With Drive-Away Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging processes are inconvenient, particularly when drivers need to leave the vehicle to unplug the charging connector, which can be unsafe or difficult in adverse weather conditions or remote locations, and current designs prevent the vehicle from being shifted while charging.
Innovation Solution
A charging connector adapter that allows electric vehicles to be shifted from park while the charging connector remains connected, using an inner and outer portion with a switching mechanism to maintain the connection and enable safe disconnection, allowing the vehicle to be driven away without manual unplugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging connector is manually removed from the charging port, then the vehicle can be driven away, but the driver must exit the vehicle which is unsafe or difficult in adverse weather conditions or remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging connector removal function from the driver's manual operation. The connector is designed to automatically disconnect from the charging port through a release mechanism that can be actuated by the driver from inside the vehicle, eliminating the need for the driver to physically exit and manually pull the connector out.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging connector system provides self-service through an automatic disconnection mechanism. The connector automatically detaches from the charging port when the vehicle is driven away or when the driver activates the release function, without requiring manual intervention from the driver to physically remove it.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle is prevented from moving while connected to charger, then charging connection stability is ensured, but the vehicle cannot be shifted to drive, reverse, or neutral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the charging connector includes an automatic release mechanism that detects when the vehicle begins to move. When motion is detected, the connector automatically disconnects from the charging port, allowing the vehicle to transition from a stationary charging state to a moving state without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the vehicle's motion state to control the charging connection. Sensors detect when the vehicle attempts to move, and this information feeds back to the connector's release mechanism, which automatically disconnects the charging connection in response to the detected motion, ensuring both stability during charging and mobility when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic disconnection mechanism is added to charging connector, then driver safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical automatic disconnection mechanisms with simpler electronic or electromagnetic release systems. The connector uses electronic sensors to detect vehicle motion or driver intent, and employs electromagnetic actuators or solenoids to release the connection, which are simpler and more reliable than purely mechanical spring-loaded or cam-based automatic release mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for electric vehicle charging connectors allows an EV to be shifted from park even though the charging connector is still connected to the charging port. As a result, a driver needs not leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion housing inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions and an outer portion housing outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions respectively when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.