EV AC Charging Connector Detection With PWM Identity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging station activation methods, such as scanning 2D barcodes or radio frequency components, are not user-friendly and require manual intervention, lacking convenience.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for electric vehicles that includes a controller that detects a connector connection, transmits a pulse-width modulation signal, and performs identity verification to charge the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual activation methods (scanning 2D barcode or radio frequency components) are used for charging stations, then the charging station can be activated, but the user convenience deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system automatically detects the connector connection status and performs identity verification through PWM signal exchange between the charging station and electric vehicle. The system self-activates without requiring users to manually scan barcodes or present radio frequency components, thereby improving ease of operation while increasing automation extent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The charging station performs preliminary detection of connector connection and transmits PWM signals to verify vehicle identity before initiating charging. This preliminary automated verification process eliminates the need for manual activation steps, resolving the contradiction between user convenience and automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If different activation methods are used by different manufacturers, then each manufacturer can implement their preferred method, but the system complexity increases due to lack of standardization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturer method diversityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal PWM-based communication protocol for connector detection and identity verification that can be applied across different charging station manufacturers. This standardized approach reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability, as the same PWM signal exchange mechanism works across different manufacturers' systems

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

3Extent of automation

If automated connector detection and PWM signal transmission are implemented, then user interaction is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and verification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic charging activationVSAvoiddetection and verification mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines connector detection and identity verification functions into a single integrated PWM signal exchange process. The charging station detects connector connection and verifies vehicle identity through the same communication channel, merging multiple functions into one mechanism to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining high automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4674677A1Ac charging system and ac charging method for electric vehicle and charging station
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 WISTRON CORP
  • EP4674677A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4674677A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An AC charging system and an AC charging method for an electric vehicle and a charging station are provided. The AC charging method includes the following. It is detected, by the charging station, whether a first connector of the charging station is connected to a plug of the electric vehicle, and a pulse-width modulation signal is transmitted by the charging station to the electric vehicle through the first connector in response to the first connector being connected to the plug. The first pulse-width modulation signal is detected by the electric vehicle to obtain a duty cycle. The electric vehicle is charged by the charging station through the first connector based on the duty cycle matching with the first pulse-width modulation signal.