EV Power Connector Malfunction Detection and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems for electric vehicles lack the ability to detect malfunctions in the transmission of electric power between connectors and batteries, and do not prevent the connector from being removed when a malfunction is detected, posing safety and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system with a connector that includes a processing module to detect malfunctions by monitoring the switching device's state and preventing the connector's removal through a switching mechanism, ensuring the connector remains attached during faulty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charger/discharger with an electromagnet switching device is used to charge or discharge a storage battery, then power conversion function is provided, but the ability to detect malfunction in the switching device is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing components (electromagnet switching device, control unit) to perform self-diagnosis. The control unit monitors the switching device's operation state and detects malfunctions using already-available system resources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the operation state of the electromagnet switching device and provides feedback. When a malfunction is detected, the system sends alarm notifications to the user, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enables real-time malfunction detection without adding complex hardware.
2Reliability
If no malfunction detection function is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and operational reliability deteriorate due to inability to detect weld or other failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the electromagnet switching device during normal operation and simultaneously monitors for malfunctions. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain detection capability without adding dedicated detection hardware, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the switching device and the user. It monitors the switching device's state and communicates malfunction information to the user through alarm notifications, enabling safety improvements without requiring direct user monitoring of complex electrical parameters.
3Ease of operation
If the connector can be freely removed, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates when removal occurs during faulty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of malfunctions before allowing connector removal. The control unit monitors the switching device state and prevents removal operations when malfunctions are detected, counteracting potential harmful actions before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by sending alarm notifications to users when malfunctions are detected, before any removal operation can occur. This advance warning allows users to take appropriate safety measures before attempting to remove the connector during faulty conditions.
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 immediate detection of power transmission malfunctions and prevents accidental removal of the connector, enhancing safety and operational reliability by maintaining the connector's attachment during faulty states.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet switching device that interrupts current flowing in the cable when the value of the current is a predetermined value or higher is provided in the charge/discharge connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A power conversion system includes a power conversion device, a connector, and a processing module. The power conversion device is connected to a power system. The attached state and the unattached state of the connector relative to a connecting port that is provided in an apparatus having a battery mounted therein can be selected. The processing module is configured to determine that a malfunction has occurred when a voltage is applied to a portion that electrically connects the connector and the connecting port in a period in which transmission of electric power with respect to the battery is stopped.