EV Charging Coupler Holster Detection for Improper Holstering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadvertent or improper holstering of electric vehicle charging couplers can lead to damage, causing EVSE equipment malfunction and unavailability for charging, which is a common issue in public charging stations.
Innovation Solution
An EVSE system with a charging coupler holstered detection system (CHDS) that uses proximity sensors to monitor the state of the coupler, communicating via a manager to users and potentially applying fees or incentives for proper holstering, thereby preventing damage and ensuring availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupler is holstered in a public charging station, then the coupler is stored securely, but the coupler may be improperly holstered causing damage and EVSE malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor system that detects whether the coupler is properly positioned in the holster and provides feedback signals to indicate the holstering status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor coupler position and alert users or operators when improper holstering occurs, preventing damage while maintaining secure storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of coupler holstering with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor system uses electrical or electronic detection methods to determine coupler position, eliminating the need for physical inspection and providing more reliable detection of improper holstering conditions.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of coupler holstering is implemented, then coupler damage is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function into a separate, modular sensor system that can be independently implemented. The sensor system is designed as a discrete component that interfaces with the existing holster structure, allowing the monitoring capability to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire EVSE system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects and reports coupler holstering status without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors the coupler position and generates appropriate signals or alerts, reducing the need for complex control logic or human oversight while maintaining reliable detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents coupler damage by ensuring proper holstering, maintaining EVSE functionality and reducing downtime through real-time monitoring and user engagement.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor detects when the holster is in a first state and in a second state. The first state is when the coupler is held by the holster and/or is in close proximity of the holster
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a coupler holstered detection system (CHDS). The EVSE includes an electric cable extending from the EVSE with a coupler for supplying electrical current. The coupler is connectable to and dis-connectable from a charging port of an electric vehicle (EV). A holster holds the coupler when the coupler is not charging the EV and releases the coupler to enable connection to a charging port. A sensor detects when the holster is in a first state when the coupler is held by the holster and/or in close proximity of the holster and in a second state when the coupler has been released by the holster and/or not within close proximity of the holster. A manager is configured to detect when the sensor is in the first and second states and can communicate the states to appropriate ore user communications devices.