EV Charging Port Circuit Layout for Dual DC and AC Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging ports for electric vehicles, particularly agricultural work vehicles like tractors, lack efficient safety measures and compatibility with both DC Fast Charging and AC grid power.

Innovation Solution

The development of charging ports for electric vehicles that include multiple DC charge ports and an AC charge port, designed for compatibility with DC Fast Charging and AC grid power, with enhanced safety features such as a cover mechanism to protect the charging ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple DC charge ports are provided for fast charging capability, then charging speed and versatility are improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidport configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging port system is segmented into multiple independent DC charge ports (first DC charge port and second DC charge port) that can be selectively used. Each port is equipped with its own protective cover, allowing independent operation and reducing the complexity of managing multiple ports as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging port system provides multi-functionality by supporting both DC fast charging (through multiple DC charge ports) and AC grid power charging (through the AC charge port). This universal design allows the electric vehicle to accommodate different charging standards and scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple charge ports are exposed for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks from exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport accessibilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Protective covers are provided for all charge ports that can be opened before charging operation. The covers include hinge connections and positioning structures that ensure they are properly opened and held in position before the charging cable is connected, preventing accidental contact with exposed electrical contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective covers act as intermediary elements between the external environment and the charging ports. They provide a physical barrier that protects the electrical contacts when not in use, while allowing controlled access when needed for charging operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the hinge connection portion is narrow to reduce space, then device compactness is improved, but cable interference between adjacent ports increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport spacingVSAvoidcable interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The design considers the three-dimensional arrangement of cables and ports. By positioning the hinge connection portion at a specific location and orientation, sufficient spatial separation is achieved in the relevant dimensions to prevent cable interference, while maintaining compact overall port spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250121708A1Charging ports and circuit for electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

An electric vehicle (EV) includes a battery pack, a plurality of DC charge ports to connect to a DC voltage source to charge the battery pack, and an AC charge port to connect to an AC voltage source to charge the battery pack. The plurality of DC charge ports and the AC charge port are located on a front surface of the EV.