Heated EV Charge Coupler Cradle for Snow and Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow and ice accumulation on charge couplers of EVSE charging stations interfere with proper connection during cold weather, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A heatable cradle for the charge coupler is equipped with heating elements or a coolant loop to melt snow and ice, activated by sensors detecting environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are added to the cradle to melt snow and ice, then the reliability of charge connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are activated before the charge coupler is inserted into the cradle, preemptively melting snow and ice accumulation. This preliminary heating action ensures the cradle is ready for reliable connection without requiring complex real-time detection and response systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle heating system automatically activates based on environmental conditions (cold weather detection) and operates independently to maintain itself in a connection-ready state, reducing the need for manual intervention or complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If the cradle is heated continuously to prevent ice accumulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements operate periodically rather than continuously, activating during cold weather conditions to melt accumulation and then shutting off when no longer needed. This periodic operation maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system adjusts its operation based on environmental parameters (temperature, presence of snow/ice), activating only when conditions warrant heating. This parameter-based control optimizes energy usage while maintaining operational ease when needed.
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
Prevents interference by melting snow and ice, ensuring proper connection and providing user comfort by warming the handle.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element, such as a resistive heating element, may be included within the cradle and operable for heating the cradle
Implementation Method 2
The heating element may include a resistive heating element such as a metal coil or segment of wire
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging station for charging a propulsion battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV) includes a charging cabinet, an electrical cable, a charge coupler, and a cradle operable for stowing the charge coupler. The charging station provides a charging voltage or current to the battery pack during a charging operation of the EV. The electrical cable has a distal end connected to the charging cabinet. The charge coupler is connected to a proximal end of the electrical cable and connects to a charge receptacle of the EV. The cradle includes at least one heating element connected thereto. The heating element is configured to selectively heat the cradle body in response to the environmental state of the cradle body being indicative of accumulated snow or ice on the charge coupler and/or the cradle body.