EV Charging Terminal Safety Control via Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging stations do not ensure user safety, particularly when the electrical connection is made using a cable with a male or female plug, as the electric current can be active during handling, posing a risk of electrocution.
Innovation Solution
A charging station design that prevents the flow of electric current until the terminal connector is securely connected to the vehicle connector, using detection means such as sensors and locking mechanisms to ensure safe handling and operation, including a cover that locks automatically and can be controlled remotely for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical outlet is made accessible for user connection, then ease of operation is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of electrocution during cable handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of connector insertion before enabling current flow. The detection means checks whether the terminal connector is properly connected to the vehicle connector, and only after confirmation does the control means authorize current supply. This preliminary action eliminates the hazard of handling live cables while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the electrical outlet and the user's connection actions. The detection means acts as a mediator that monitors connection status and communicates with the control means, which then controls current supply. This intermediary layer ensures safety without compromising operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If current is made available before connection to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to electrocution risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service through automatic detection and control. The detection means automatically monitors connector insertion status, and the control means automatically responds by enabling or disabling current supply based on detection results. This eliminates the need for manual safety checks while maintaining operational simplicity and eliminating electrocution risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the detection means continuously monitors connection status and provides feedback to the control means. The control means adjusts current supply based on this feedback, ensuring current is only available when properly connected. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation while eliminating harmful electrocution risks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If detection means and control systems are added to ensure safety, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection means and control means into an integrated safety system. The detection means and control means work together as a unified mechanism where detection triggers automatic control responses. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate, independent safety and control systems while maintaining high user safety standards.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging terminal (400) for an electrical vehicle, comprising at least one electrical connection means (402), a so-called terminal connector, for cooperating with at least one electrical connection means of a vehicle, a so-called vehicle connector, for establishing an electrical connection for transporting an electrical signal from said terminal (400) to said vehicle, said charging terminal (400) also comprising at least one so-called control means (404) authorising or preventing the passage of an electrical charging signal to said terminal connector (402), at least one means (406-410) for detecting the connection between said terminal connector (402) and said vehicle connector, and at least one means (412) for controlling said control means (404) for authorising or preventing the passage of said electrical charging signal according to at least one item of detection data supplied by the detection means (406-410).