EVSE Cable Detection Subcircuit for Theft Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) cables are vulnerable to theft due to their valuable copper content and widespread installation, making it difficult to detect cable removal or theft without custom hardware.
Innovation Solution
A cable detection subcircuit is integrated into the EVSE control box that injects current into the cable and checks for a closed circuit loop, allowing for real-time detection of cable integrity and triggering responses to cable removal, such as alerting the owner or authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is made long enough to reach the user's vehicle, then user convenience is improved, but the cable becomes more vulnerable to theft due to significant valuable conductive material
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring the cable connection status before theft can occur. The detection circuit is activated and ready to identify cable removal or disconnection events, allowing the system to alert authorities or take preventive actions before significant damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring of the cable connection status. When the detection circuit identifies that the cable has been removed or disconnected, it triggers an alert signal that can be sent to authorities or the vehicle owner, creating a feedback loop that deters theft and enables rapid response.
2Ease of operation
If EVSEs are spread out over a large area, then accessibility is improved, but monitoring difficulty increases due to numerous locations
Solution Approach 1:
Each EVSE unit performs self-monitoring through its integrated detection circuit, automatically detecting cable status without requiring external surveillance. This self-service capability allows each unit to independently monitor its own cable, eliminating the need for centralized monitoring of multiple distributed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is segmented and distributed to each individual EVSE unit rather than using a centralized monitoring system. Each EVSE contains its own detection circuit that independently monitors its cable, dividing the monitoring task into separate autonomous units that can operate independently across distributed locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard EVSE connectors are used, then compatibility is improved, but cable theft detection becomes impractical because no closed circuit is formed when cable is not connected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection approach transitions from relying on the primary power circuit to using a separate detection dimension. The proximity line creates an independent detection circuit that operates in parallel with the power delivery function, allowing theft detection without interfering with standard connector compatibility or power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity line acts as an intermediary element that enables detection functionality without disrupting the standard connector operation. This separate conductive path serves as a mediator between the EVSE control box and the cable, providing detection capability while maintaining compatibility with standard EVSE connectors and vehicles.
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
This solution enables effective detection of cable theft without requiring custom hardware at the connector, minimizing hardware and costs, and provides an alternative to manual or costly theft prevention methods, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A cable detection subcircuit is integrated into the EVSE control box that injects current into the cable and checks for a closed circuit loop
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices, and computer-readable media detect a status of a cable (204), and in particular, a cable of electric supply equipment. An example of electric supply equipment is electric vehicle supply equipment (200), which may be used for charging an electric vehicle 201. The electric vehicle supply equipment (200) may include a cable (204) for delivering electric power from a power source to the electric vehicle (201). Further, the electric vehicle supply equipment (200) may include a cable detection subcircuit (225) for detecting a status of its cable (204). Specifically, the cable detection subcircuit (225) may detect whether the cable (204) has been removed. Further, the electric vehicle supply equipment (200) may take various actions based on results provided by the cable detection subcircuit (225).