Dynamic Charging Inlet Lock Control for EV Standby Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems experience unnecessary waiting times due to the inability to unlock the charging inlet until charging is completed, especially when using slow charging methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling the locking of a charging inlet, which includes an input device that determines the type of connector, an on-board charger generating an inlet unlocking signal, and a controller that manages the locking mode based on the charging method, allowing for efficient unlocking and re-locking to reduce standby time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is locked when engaged with the charging inlet, then the connector remains securely connected during charging, but the charging inlet cannot be unlocked until charging is completed causing unnecessary waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controllable state. The controller dynamically adjusts the locking status based on charging method detection - maintaining lock during slow charging for reliability, and enabling unlock during fast charging to reduce standby time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between connection stability and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the locking parameter based on the charging method parameter. When fast charging is detected through the input device, the locking parameter is changed from locked to unlocked state, allowing quick connector separation. This parameter change enables the system to optimize between connection stability and time efficiency based on charging requirements.
2Loss of time
If the charging inlet is unlocked for fast charging, then standby time is reduced, but the connector may separate during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The locking parameter is conditionally changed based on the charging method. During fast charging, the parameter changes to unlocked state to reduce standby time. During slow charging, the parameter remains locked to ensure connection stability. This conditional parameter change resolves the contradiction by applying different locking states to different charging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism becomes dynamic and adaptive to charging conditions. The controller continuously monitors charging method and adjusts locking status accordingly - unlocked for fast charging to minimize time loss, and locked for slow charging to maintain reliability. This dynamic behavior eliminates the trade-off by making the locking state contingent on charging requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single locking mode is used for all charging methods, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot optimize charging efficiency for different charging types
Solution Approach 1:
The locking control system transitions from a simple static mode to a dynamic adaptive mode. The controller detects the charging method and automatically adjusts the locking state - locked for slow charging and unlocked for fast charging. This dynamic control optimizes charging efficiency for different types while adding minimal complexity through automated detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the charging method and adjusting the locking state without user intervention. The controller monitors the charging type and autonomously changes the locking parameter, eliminating the need for manual user input while optimizing charging efficiency. This self-service approach balances simplicity with optimized performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling locking of a charging inlet includes a charging inlet including an input device configured to be provided at a position where pressurization is determined based on a type of a connector of a charging cable and to be engaged with the connector, an on board charger (OBC) configured to generate an inlet unlocking signal when the input device is pressurized by the connector, and a controller configured to unlock the charging inlet when the inlet unlocking signal is received.