EV Charging Inlet Lock Mechanism with Localized Antenna Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems face security risks due to the prolonged charging time, which leaves vehicles unattended with power feeding plugs connected, making them vulnerable to unauthorized removal and theft, and existing key-operation-free systems can inadvertently trigger locking or unlocking operations even when not intended by the user.
Innovation Solution
A charging inlet device with a lock mechanism that uses a wireless verification signal to authenticate an electronic key, preventing unauthorized removal of the power feeding plug by moving a movable member between lock and unlock positions based on successful verification, and an inlet antenna transmits a verification radio wave signal to a localized area near the inlet, ensuring secure and intended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-operation-free system is used for ID verification, then unauthorized operation is prevented, but the locking device may perform locking or unlocking operations even when the true user does not intend to do so because the electronic key is near the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized verification area around the charging inlet. The inlet antenna transmits verification signals only to electronic keys within this specific local zone, rather than allowing verification from anywhere near the vehicle. This spatially differentiated approach ensures that locking operations are triggered only when the user intentionally brings the electronic key near the charging inlet, preventing unintended operations while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a locking device is used to lock the power feeding plug to the inlet, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but the vehicle may be left unattended over a long period of time with the power feeding plug connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the locking device to automatically perform locking and unlocking operations based on verification of the electronic key. When the user brings the electronic key near the charging inlet, the system automatically locks the power feeding plug without requiring manual intervention. During charging, the system can automatically unlock when charging is complete, eliminating the need for continuous user attention and reducing the time the vehicle must be unattended.
3Reliability
If an inlet antenna is used to transmit verification signals to a localized area, then secure and intended operation is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the inlet antenna and verification system into the existing charging inlet structure. Rather than adding a completely separate verification system, the patent combines the antenna function with the charging inlet components, allowing the same physical structure to serve both charging and security verification purposes. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the localized verification capability.
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
The solution effectively prevents unauthorized removal of the power feeding plug by ensuring that the lock mechanism operates only when the electronic key is intentionally brought near the inlet, reducing the risk of theft and unintended operation, while maintaining a secure and user-intended charging process.
Implementation Method 1
An inlet antenna arranged near the inlet antenna transmits the wireless verification signal to an area near the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a power feeding plug installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes an inlet that receives the power feeding plug to charge a battery, which powers a motor. A door antenna transmits a verification signal to an electronic key. The locking device includes a lock bar moved between lock and unlock positions. The lock bar blocks the power feeding plug, which is attached to the inlet, when located at the lock position to prohibit removal of the power feeding plug from the inlet. An inlet antenna transmits the verification signal to an area that includes the inlet. The inlet antenna and door antenna are arranged at different locations. A controller moves the lock bar when verification of the electronic key is accomplished in response to the verification signal from the inlet antenna.