Jumper Cable Converter for Electric Vehicle Jump Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face challenges in obtaining a jump start when their energy storage is depleted, as conventional jump leads with combustion engines cannot provide the necessary electrical energy due to voltage differences and the inability to recharge using an alternator.

Innovation Solution

A jumper cable with a converter that simulates a charging station, allowing communication with electric vehicles and providing sufficient energy to enable them to reach a charging point, compatible with all vehicles having internal combustion engines without requiring adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional jump lead is used to provide electrical energy from a combustion engine vehicle, then the jump start process is simple and easy to operate, but the voltage levels and energy supply are insufficient for electric vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of jump start operationVSAvoidelectrical power output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a converter as an intermediary device between the combustion engine vehicle's battery and the electric vehicle's charging system. This converter transforms the 12V DC output from the conventional vehicle into appropriate AC or DC voltages (230V AC, 400V DC, or 800V DC) that the electric vehicle can accept, thereby enabling power transfer while resolving the voltage and power incompatibility issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The converter dynamically changes electrical parameters including voltage level (from 12V to 230V/400V/800V), current, and frequency to match the requirements of the electric vehicle's charging system. This parameter transformation allows the conventional vehicle's battery to provide sufficient power to the electric vehicle despite the initial power and voltage mismatch

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a converter is added to transform voltage levels and simulate a charging station, then sufficient electrical energy can be provided to the electric vehicle, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power outputVSAvoidjumper cable system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a voltage transformer, a protocol simulator (mimicking a charging station), and a communication interface. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities required

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

Solution Approach 2:

The converter copies the electrical and communication characteristics of a real charging station, allowing the electric vehicle to recognize and communicate with it as if it were a genuine charging infrastructure. This copying approach simplifies integration by leveraging existing vehicle charging protocols without requiring custom modifications to the electric vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the jumper cable is designed to work with all conventional vehicles without adjustments, then versatility and ease of use are improved, but ensuring compatibility across different voltage levels and protocols becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with all combustion engine vehiclesVSAvoidprotocol and voltage adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter dynamically adapts to different vehicle types and charging requirements by adjusting its output parameters in real-time. It can switch between AC and DC output modes, adjust voltage levels, and modify communication protocols based on the connected electric vehicle's specifications, enabling universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables safe and widespread jump-start assistance for electric vehicles by converting voltage and power levels, ensuring electric vehicles can reach a charging station, enhancing driver safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The converter (4) has an input (16) and an output (6). At the output (6) of the converter (4), there is arranged a first cable section (8a) with at least two output conductors (10a, 10b) and one control conductor (12) in a common insulation (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3925818A1Jumper cable
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 INNOGY SE
  • EP3925818A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3925818A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3925818A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Jump start cables for electric vehicles comprising an inverter, a first cable section arranged at an AC voltage output of the inverter comprising at least two output conductors and a control conductor in a common insulation, a charging plug connected to the output conductors and the control conductor on the first cable section, a second cable section arranged at a DC voltage input of the inverter comprising at least two input conductors, two connection parts connected to the input conductors on the second cable section, characterized in that the connection parts are designed for connection to a vehicle battery or a jump start point of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.