Hardware Security Module for Charging Device Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical charging devices pose a safety risk due to the potential for the power plug to remain connected to the power source even when disconnected from equipment, leading to hazards such as electric arcs and burns, especially at high electrical powers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a hardware security module that inhibits the control of the connection module by the processing unit in response to a detected reference voltage, ensuring physical disconnection and preventing unintended electrical connections, thereby enhancing safety through a hardware-based solution independent of software execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a processing unit controls the connection module to isolate the power supply socket from the source of electrical energy, then the device can be controlled to prevent unintended connections, but the processing unit may malfunction and fail to detect when the plug is disconnected, leading to unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based processing unit control with a hardware-based security module that directly monitors the voltage on the reference wire and physically controls the connection module. This hardware security module uses voltage detection circuits and switching components to automatically isolate the power supply when the plug is disconnected, eliminating reliance on software execution and processing unit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a security module as an intermediary between the processing unit and the connection module. This security module includes a detection module that monitors the reference wire voltage and an actuation module that controls the connection module's switching. The intermediary hardware security module ensures safe operation even when the processing unit malfunctions, as it independently verifies connection status through voltage detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the processing unit exclusively controls the connection module through software execution, then the device operation is flexible and programmable, but the device becomes vulnerable to software bugs and processing unit failures that can compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: a processing unit that handles high-level control and communication, and a hardware security module that handles critical safety functions. The security module independently monitors the reference wire voltage and controls the connection module's switching, separating safety-critical operations from software-dependent operations. This segmentation ensures that software bugs in the processing unit cannot compromise the hardware-based safety mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the connection module remains connected to the power source when the plug is disconnected from equipment, then continuous power availability is maintained, but electric arcs form leading to burns and projection of molten material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the hardware security module continuously monitor the voltage on the reference wire before allowing power delivery. When the module detects that the reference wire voltage indicates the plug is disconnected (voltage at reference value), it proactively isolates the power supply socket from the source of electrical energy through the connection module's switching mechanism. This prevents the harmful condition of electric arcs from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting after the problem arises.
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
The hardware security module effectively prevents electrical arcs and burns by ensuring the power supply is disconnected when the equipment is not properly connected, significantly improving the operational safety of the charging device, particularly at high electrical powers.
Implementation Method 1
a hardware circuit comparing a voltage to be compared representing the voltage of the reference wire with a control voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for recharging equipment with electrical energy, the recharging device comprising: - a power socket (12) intended to be connected to the equipment (4) and selectively connectable to an electrical energy source (8) for supplying electrical energy to the equipment, - a control module (18) connected to the power socket by a reference wire (20) adapted to present a voltage at a reference value (Vref) as long as the power socket (12) is disconnected from the equipment, the control module comprising: - a connection module (22) configured to connect or, selectively, disconnect the power socket (12) from said electrical energy source (8), and - a processing unit (24) configured to control the connection module (22) according to the voltage of the reference wire (20).The charging device further includes a hardware safety module (34) configured to inhibit the control of the connection module (22) by the processing unit (24) in response to the detection of the reference wire voltage at the reference value. Charging station, safety module, and associated control module.