EV Charging Magnetic Lock for Connector Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

During electric vehicle charging, the power supplying connector is often forcibly removed, leading to potential damage of the charging port, including the formation of an oxide layer causing poor contact and prolonged charging times, or in severe cases, rendering the vehicle unable to charge.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic lock system comprising a voltage conversion circuit, a detection circuit, and a magnetic attraction circuit, which generates a magnetic attraction force to secure the power supplying connector to the charging port based on status signals from the connector, preventing its removal during charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the power supplying connector is forcibly removed during charging, then the charging operation can be interrupted, but the charging port is damaged leading to poor contact or complete failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging operation continuityVSAvoidcharging port integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic lock applies a magnetic attraction force to the power supplying connector before charging begins, creating a restraining force that prevents the connector from being forcibly removed during charging. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any removal attempts before damage can occur to the charging port

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. The magnetic attraction circuit generates a magnetic field that exerts attraction force on the power supplying connector, eliminating the need for mechanical latches or fasteners while providing reliable connection retention during charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a magnetic lock system is implemented to prevent connector removal, then charging port damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging port protectionVSAvoidmagnetic lock system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic lock system merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The magnetic attraction circuit, voltage conversion circuit, and detection circuit are combined to work together, with the magnetic lock serving both as a connection element and a protection mechanism, reducing the need for separate mechanical locking components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the magnetic lock system and the power supplying connector. Instead of direct mechanical contact or complex engagement mechanisms, the magnetic field provides the locking force, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining reliable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 magnetic lock effectively prevents the power supplying connector from being removed during charging, thereby reducing the risk of charging port damage and ensuring reliable and efficient charging operations.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic attraction circuit uses the third voltage to generate a magnetic attraction force according to the first control signal, and stops generating the magnetic attraction force according to the second control signal. The power supplying connector is fixed to a charging port of the electric vehicle by the magnetic attraction force.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250167496A1Magnetic lock for charging electric vehicle and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A magnetic lock for charging an electric vehicle and an operating method of the magnetic lock are provided. The magnetic lock includes a voltage conversion circuit, a detection circuit, and a magnetic attraction circuit. The voltage conversion circuit receives a first voltage from a power supplying connector and converts the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage. The detection circuit is driven according to the second voltage, provides a first control signal according to a first status signal from the power supplying connector, and provides a second control signal according to the second status signal from the power supplying connector. The magnetic attraction circuit uses the third voltage to generate a magnetic attraction force according to the first control signal. The power supplying connector is fixed to a charging port of the electric vehicle by the magnetic attraction force.