Portable EVSE Docking Connector with Embedded Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging equipment is not portable, making it difficult to charge EVs when they are far from commercial recharging stations or home charging equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable EVSE kit with an embedded EVSE controller in a docking connector and a power cable that allows charging from standard AC power outlets, enabling remote charging and automatic voltage adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary EVSE units are used for charging, then charging reliability is ensured, but portability is lost and the vehicle cannot be charged when far from fixed stations
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE system is divided into two separate components: a portable docking connector that can be carried in the vehicle, and a stationary power cable connected to the building's electrical panel. This segmentation allows the charging function to be portably deployed while maintaining reliable connection to fixed power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking connector acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle's charging port and the building's electrical system. It contains the EVSE controller and provides the necessary interface to enable charging from standard building outlets, bridging the gap between portable needs and fixed infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable charging solution is implemented, then location flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to embedding controller functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE controller functionality is merged into the docking connector housing, combining what would traditionally be separate components (controller, connector, and cable management) into a single integrated portable unit. This reduces the number of separate components the user must handle while providing complete charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking connector is designed to work with various vehicle types and can be used at different locations with standard building electrical outlets. The universal design allows one portable device to serve multiple charging scenarios, from home charging to temporary locations, reducing the need for location-specific charging equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the EVSE controller is embedded in the docking connector, then portability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE controller is nested within the docking connector housing, with the controller board mounted inside the connector body. This nested arrangement allows the controller to be integrated into the portable unit during assembly, combining multiple functions in a compact configuration that simplifies the overall product structure despite the increased manufacturing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) kit or system includes a docking connector having a docking head engagable with the charging port of an electric vehicle and a barrel or handle fixed to the docking head and having a barrel electrical connector. An EVSE controller is embedded within the docking connector. An electric power cable has a first connector for engaging the barrel electrical connector and a second connector at an opposite end of the cable for connection to an electrical utility receptacle. The embedded EVSE controller enables the docking connector to function as an EVSE unit.