Detachable EV Charging Connector for Multi-Standard Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrified vehicle charging devices are limited by their inability to adapt to different charging standards such as CHAdeMO, CCS, and TESLA, as they require specific charging connectors and methods, leading to inflexibility and compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

The proposed electrified vehicle charging device features a charging connection unit with a circuit that outputs a charging method signal, allowing the main body to supply power according to the received signal, enabling the use of different charging standards by swapping the charging connection unit, which includes a relay system and contact terminals for secure and adaptable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed charging connector design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different charging standards is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different charging standardsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is divided into a main body and a detachable charging connection unit. The charging connection unit includes a charging connector and a charging cable, which can be separated from the main body. This segmentation allows users to replace only the charging connection unit when switching between different charging standards (CHAdeMO, CCS, TESLA), rather than replacing the entire charging device, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main body of the charging device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple charging standards. By equipping the main body with a universal power supply interface and control system that can recognize and adapt to different charging protocols, the main body can work with various types of charging connection units, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple complete charging devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging connectors are integrated into one device, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging method compatibilityVSAvoidcharging connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of integrating multiple charging connectors into a single complex unit, the patent segments the charging connectors into separate, interchangeable charging connection units. Each charging connection unit contains a specific charging connector type, and users can attach the appropriate unit to the main body based on the required charging standard. This segmentation maintains charging method compatibility while avoiding the complexity of integrating all connectors into one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the charging connector is detachable, then the adaptability and transportability improve, but the connection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging standard flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging connection unit is pre-equipped with a charging method signal output circuit that automatically outputs the appropriate charging method signal when connected to the main body. This preliminary configuration ensures that the correct charging protocol is established before power transmission begins, maintaining connection reliability while enabling detachable design for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The main body includes a charging method signal reception circuit that receives and recognizes the charging method signal from the charging connection unit. This feedback mechanism allows the main body to automatically adjust its power supply parameters according to the detected charging standard, ensuring reliable and safe charging operation despite the detachable nature of the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the main body supplies power without receiving charging method signal, then the charging speed is fast, but the safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging connection unit outputs the charging method signal before power transmission begins, and the main body receives and recognizes this signal in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the correct charging protocol is established prior to power delivery, enabling both fast charging and safe operation by preventing mismatched charging parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The main body continuously monitors the charging method signal from the charging connection unit and adjusts its power supply accordingly. This feedback control mechanism ensures that power is supplied at the appropriate rate and under the correct parameters for the detected charging standard, maintaining both charging efficiency and safety throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240017631A1Electrified vehicle charging device
Publication Date: 2024.01.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20240017631A1 patent drawing
  • US20240017631A1 patent drawing
  • US20240017631A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrified vehicle charging device includes a main body and a charging connection unit. The charging connection unit includes a charging connection part that is attachable to and detachable from the main body, a charging connector that is attachable to and detachable from electrified vehicle, and a charging cable that connects the charging connection part and the charging connector. The charging connection unit includes a circuit for outputting a charging method signal indicating a charging method. When the charging connection part is connected to the main body, the main body receives the charging method signal from the charging connection unit, and supplies power to the charging connection unit in a charging method corresponding to the received charging method signal.