Hidden EV Charging Interface With Anti-Theft Alarm Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging stations and components are vulnerable to theft due to their value, necessitating a solution to secure these systems while maintaining their visibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging system with a hidden charging interface, incorporating a charging interface unit disguised as a landscape element and a charging cable with integrated alarm components, including conductive wires or foil, that trigger an alarm if cut or tampered with, and a movement detection system to notify the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging station and components are made visible and accessible, then operational accessibility is improved, but vulnerability to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into multiple components: a hidden charging unit embedded in the ground, a separate charging cable with alarm features, and a vehicle-mounted charging port. This segmentation allows the charging function to remain accessible while the valuable components are concealed or protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable acts as an intermediary between the hidden charging unit and the vehicle. It includes alarm wires and movement detection capabilities that serve as mediators to detect and alert about potential theft attempts, bridging the gap between accessibility and security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the charging unit is concealed as a landscape element, then theft vulnerability is reduced, but operational accessibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit is designed to resemble a landscape element (such as a decorative stone or garden feature), creating a visual copy or imitation of a non-functional object. This camouflage reduces theft vulnerability while the actual charging function remains accessible through the concealed interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alarm components are integrated into the charging cable, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm wires, movement detection features, and charging conductors are merged into a single integrated cable assembly. This combining of multiple functions into one component achieves theft protection while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable serves multiple functions: it conducts electricity for charging, contains alarm wires for theft detection, and includes movement detection capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security devices, managing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more examples provide an electric vehicle or a device for use with an electric vehicle, including an electric vehicle charging system and method having a hidden charging unit.