Heated EV Charging Socket Layout for Ice-Free Plug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric and hybrid vehicle charging sockets face icing issues when temperatures drop below freezing, causing the charging plug to become stuck due to frozen water after the charging process, particularly in winter months.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of heating modules within the charging socket, with adjustable placement and power settings to prevent icing by generating heat only where necessary, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs through a versatile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating modules are added to the charging socket, then icing prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating modules that can be individually placed in different regions of the charging socket. Each heating module operates independently, allowing selective activation based on icing risk in specific areas, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating modules are designed to activate before icing occurs or at the first sign of freezing conditions. By applying heat proactively during the charging process or when cold temperatures are detected, the system prevents ice formation before it can cause problems, thereby improving reliability while keeping the heating system dormant most of the time to minimize complexity impact.
2Ease of operation
If heating modules are integrated into the charging socket, then charging plug removal ease is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating modules are designed with adjustable power settings that can be dynamically controlled based on environmental conditions and operational needs. This dynamic control allows the system to use minimal heating power under normal conditions while providing full heating capability only when necessary, thereby improving plug removal ease without requiring an oversized heating system that would increase manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system utilizes adjustable power parameters to optimize performance. By varying the heating power output based on temperature sensors and operational state, the system achieves effective ice prevention and plug removal only when needed, avoiding the need for continuously high-power heating elements that would significantly increase manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If heating power is increased to prevent icing, then icing prevention effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating modules operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when cold temperatures are detected or when icing conditions are present. The system uses temperature sensors to trigger heating cycles, maintaining the charging socket above freezing temperature with minimal energy input, thus improving icing prevention effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adjusts power output parameters based on real-time temperature measurements and environmental conditions. By varying the heating power from minimal levels during mild cold conditions to higher levels only when freezing is detected, the system achieves effective ice prevention while optimizing energy consumption to match actual heating needs.
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
Effectively prevents icing between the charging plug and socket, ensuring easy removal and reducing the risk of freezing, while optimizing energy use and adaptability for various climates.
Implementation Method 1
heat is generated at the connection between the charging plug and charging socket by the flowing charging current
Data Source
AI summary
A charging socket of an electric or hybrid vehicle is adapted to connect to a charging plug. The charging socket comprises a socket wall, and at least one heating module shaft extending into the socket wall and adapted to receive a heating module.