EV External Power Supply via Charging Port Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle power supply systems face challenges in safely and easily providing power to external devices due to the risk of electrical shock or leakage and the possibility of the device being dragged during vehicle travel when an external outlet socket is not properly managed.

Innovation Solution

An external power supply apparatus for electric vehicles that detects the connection of an adapter to a normal charging port, inhibits vehicle travel, and supplies AC power through a relay-controlled inverter output, using a charging gun-compatible adapter with a second outlet socket for safe and easy external power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an outlet socket is disposed on the exterior of the vehicle to supply power externally, then power supply accessibility is improved, but the risk of electrical shock or leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply accessibilityVSAvoidelectrical shock or leakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging port is designed to serve dual functions: accepting charging guns for battery charging and accepting adapters for external power supply. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external outlet sockets, providing external power supply capability through the existing charging port while maintaining safety standards.

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

Solution Approach 2:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary device between the charging port and external electrical apparatus. The adapter includes a male connector that plugs into the charging port and a female outlet socket for external devices, creating a safe intermediary connection that prevents direct exposure of high-voltage terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the vehicle is allowed to travel with an external apparatus connected to supply power, then mobility is maintained, but the risk of the electric apparatus being dragged increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle mobilityVSAvoiddevice dragging accident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors whether an adapter is connected to the charging port. When connection is detected, the control unit automatically inhibits vehicle travel by preventing the drive motor from operating. This feedback-based control ensures vehicle mobility is maintained when safe, but automatically restricted when external devices are connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of adapter connection status before allowing vehicle travel. The control unit checks whether the charging port is occupied by an adapter or charging gun, and only permits travel when no external devices are connected, preventing the harmful situation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated external outlet socket is added to the vehicle for power supply, then external power supply capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal power supply capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging port is designed to serve dual functions: accepting charging guns for battery charging and accepting adapters for external power supply. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external outlet sockets, providing external power supply capability through the existing charging port while maintaining safety standards.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the external power supply function with the existing charging port infrastructure. By combining these functions and using the relay to switch between charging mode and power supply mode, the system achieves external power supply capability without adding separate physical outlet sockets or independent control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy power supply to external devices by preventing vehicle travel during adapter connection and using a relay to direct AC power through a normal charging port, reducing the risk of electrical shock, leakage, and device dragging.

Implementation Method 1

a system has been in practical use in which DC power of a high-voltage driving battery is converted to AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion (DC to AC conversion):

Implementation Method 2

an external power supply apparatus of an electric vehicle includes a relay connected to an output of the inverter and to the charging port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelay switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentEP2692569B1External power supply apparatus of electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP
  • EP2692569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2692569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2692569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An external power supply apparatus of an electric vehicle, includes: a battery; an inverter configured to convert DC power of the battery to AC power and configured to output the AC power; a first outlet socket disposed in the electric vehicle and through which an output of the inverter is supplied; a relay connected downstream from the first outlet socket as viewed from the inverter; a charging port connected downstream from the relay as viewed from the inverter and exposed to the outside of the electric vehicle; an adapter including a second outlet socket and being to be connected to the charging port; and, when it is detected that the adapter is connected to the charging port, controlling means setting the relay to an ON state to allow the output of the inverter to be supplied through the charging port.