Universal EV Charging Port Adapter for Multi-Standard AC/DC Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles require multiple charging ports to accommodate different types of AC and DC chargers, leading to increased surface area occupation and complex wiring, which complicates the vehicle's design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A single vehicle charging port is designed to accommodate multiple types of charging couplers, including single phase AC, three phase AC, and DC, using a housing with insulated contact supports for various phases and lines, allowing for reduced size and simplified wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different vehicle charging ports are provided to receive different forms of AC charge and DC charge, then the vehicle can accept various types of chargers, but the surface area of the vehicle's exterior is increased and vehicle wiring is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of charging couplers (AC and DC) through a single port interface. The housing includes standardized contact supports and mounting features that work with different coupler types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ports for each charger type while maintaining full compatibility across all charging standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sized and shaped charging couplers are designed to nest within the same housing structure. The housing contains adjustable or modular internal components that can adapt to accommodate various coupler configurations, allowing smaller AC couplers and larger DC couplers to both fit within the same port opening without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different vehicle charging ports are provided to receive different forms of AC charge and DC charge, then the vehicle can accept various types of chargers, but the vehicle wiring is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a unified wiring harness and contact support structure that serves all charging functions. All coupler types connect to the same internal contact points and wiring pathways, eliminating the need for separate wiring systems for AC and DC charging. This universal wiring architecture reduces the overall complexity while maintaining support for multiple charger types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate AC charging circuits and DC charging circuits into a single integrated housing and wiring system. The contact supports, insulation barriers, and electrical pathways are merged into one unified structure that handles both AC and DC power transmission through shared components, thereby reducing wiring complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different vehicle charging ports are provided, then the vehicle can receive different forms of AC charge and DC charge, but the amount of vehicle surface area to mount the different vehicle charging ports is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A single housing structure is designed to perform multiple charging functions (AC single-phase, AC three-phase, and DC charging) that previously required separate dedicated ports. The universal housing maintains all necessary contact points and electrical pathways within one compact unit, reducing the total surface area occupied while preserving full charging functionality across all standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple charging port functions into one consolidated housing unit. Previously separate AC and DC charging interfaces are combined into a single physical location on the vehicle, reducing the surface area required for mounting while maintaining all necessary charging capabilities through integrated contact supports and wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle single charging port with an adapter to enable charging of an electric vehicle by way of different alternating current (AC) chargers is disclosed. The adapter may be configured to transfer electric power between a single Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J3068 receiving port and a SAE J1772 coupler according to an included method.