EV Connector Lock Release via Driver Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a power-feed connector disconnection device that allows drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles to forcibly disconnect the power-feed connector from the vehicle's power-receiving connector during emergencies without exiting the vehicle, ensuring safety and preventing unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A power-feed connector disconnection device that includes an index value detector to assess the driver's starting intention, a starting intention determiner to confirm the driver's intent, and a lock-releasing unit to disconnect the power-feed connector from the power-receiving connector when the driver's intention is confirmed, utilizing a control unit with sensors and actuators to manage the disconnection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power-feed connector is locked to the power-receiving connector during charging, then connection reliability is improved, but the driver cannot disconnect the connector during emergencies without exiting the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-releasing unit dynamically changes the locking state based on detected starting intention. The connector transitions from a locked state (during normal charging) to an unlockable state (when emergency starting intention is detected), allowing the system to adapt between connection reliability and ease of disconnection based on operational conditions
2Reliability
If the vehicle is prevented from driving while the charging cable is coupled, then safety is improved, but the driver cannot respond to emergencies quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors driver operations (accelerator pedal depression, start switch activation) as feedback signals. When specific feedback patterns indicating emergency starting intention are detected, the system immediately responds by enabling connector disconnection, thus balancing safety during normal charging with rapid emergency response capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lock mechanism is added to the power-receiving connector, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-releasing unit operates autonomously based on detected driver intention. When the detector identifies emergency starting intention through monitored operations, the lock-releasing unit automatically activates to release the connector without requiring additional manual intervention or complex control mechanisms, thus minimizing system complexity while maintaining connection stability
Data Source
AI summary
A power-feed connector disconnection device includes an index value detector, a starting intention determiner, and a lock-releasing unit. The index value detector detects an index value that correlates with a starting intention of a driver to start a vehicle when a power-feed connector is coupled to a power-receiving connector of the vehicle. The starting intention determiner determines a presence or absence of the starting intention of the driver based on the index value detected by the index value detector when the power-feed connector is coupled to the power-receiving connector of the vehicle. The lock-releasing unit is provided in the power-receiving connector and releases a lock between the power-receiving connector and the power-feed connector when the starting intention determiner determines that the driver has the starting intention.