EV Charging Port Emergency Plug Ejection for Hazard Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles are immobilized during charging, posing safety concerns due to unsafe charging conditions, and there is a need for a mechanism to quickly and safely disconnect the charger plug to enable escape from hazardous situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a control module that automatically releases the charger plug from the charging port using a release device and actuator, enabling propulsion system activation, and includes safety measures such as power disconnection and emergency alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charger plug is physically attached to the charging port via a latch during charging, then the charging connection is secure and reliable, but the vehicle cannot be quickly disconnected in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically initiating the disconnection sequence when emergency conditions are detected. The control module automatically activates the release device to disengage the latch and triggers the ejector mechanism to push the charger plug away, all before the driver can manually intervene. This preliminary automatic action resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure latching during normal charging while enabling rapid ejection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual disconnection process with an automated electromechanical system. The control module uses sensors to detect emergency conditions and automatically activates electromagnetic actuators (release device and ejector mechanism) to perform the disconnection, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical action driven by electrical signals.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to disconnect the charger plug, then the disconnection process is simple and reliable, but the driver cannot escape from hazardous situations quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting emergency conditions through sensors and initiating the complete disconnection sequence without requiring any manual input from the driver. The control module autonomously activates the release device, triggers the ejector mechanism, and manages the power disconnection, allowing the vehicle to escape hazardous situations quickly while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors that continuously monitor charging conditions to automatically trigger the disconnection process when emergency situations are detected. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond autonomously to hazardous conditions, eliminating the time delay associated with manual detection and intervention while keeping the operation simple for the driver.
3Reliability
If the propulsion system is disabled during charging, then safety is maintained during power transfer, but the vehicle cannot move in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the propulsion system state based on detected conditions. During normal charging, the propulsion system remains disabled for safety. However, when emergency conditions are detected, the control module automatically enables the propulsion system to allow the vehicle to move away from the hazardous charging location, providing adaptive response to different operational states.
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
Enables safe and rapid disconnection of the charger plug, allowing the vehicle to escape dangerous conditions, ensuring driver safety and vehicle propulsion without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the release device includes a solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a charging port and a control module. The charging port is configured to attach to a charger plug via a latching member. The charging port includes an ejector, an actuator coupled to the ejector, and a release device. The control module is configured to receive an input signal to release the charger plug from the charging port while the charger plug is providing power to the electric vehicle, in response to receiving the input signal, control the release device to release the latching member of the charger plug from the charging port, control the actuator to cause the ejector to extend from the charging port to eject the charger plug, and in response to the charger plug being ejected, enable a propulsion system of the electric vehicle. Other example vehicle system and control methods are also disclosed.