Inertia Switch Charge Termination for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face the challenge of continuing to charge from a charging station even after an impact event, which is undesirable as it can lead to unsafe conditions, especially since impact sensors remain inactive during charging and cannot detect potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A passive switch, such as an inertia switch, is integrated into the charging system to transition from a charging-permitting position to a charging-preventing position in response to movement or impact events, ensuring that charging is terminated upon an impact, even when the vehicle is keyed off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is electrically coupled to a charging station to charge the traction battery, then the battery charging capability is improved, but the vehicle safety deteriorates because impact sensors remain inactive during charging and cannot detect impact events
Solution Approach 1:
A passive inertia switch is introduced as an intermediary device between the charging circuit and the power source. This switch acts as a mechanical mediator that detects impact events through inertia forces and automatically opens the charging circuit when an impact is detected, thereby enabling safety protection during charging without requiring active electronic sensors or power consumption
2Loss of energy
If impact sensors are kept inactive during charging to save power, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the detection capability deteriorates because impact events cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic impact sensors with a passive mechanical inertia switch that operates without electrical power. The switch uses inertia forces generated during impact events to mechanically open the charging circuit, thereby eliminating the need for powered sensors while maintaining impact detection capability throughout the charging process
3Reliability
If a passive inertia switch is added to the charging system to detect impact events, then the vehicle safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive passive inertia switch that can be easily integrated into the existing charging system. The switch is a straightforward mechanical device with no complex electronics, control logic, or power management requirements, making it a cost-effective and low-complexity solution for enhancing charging safety
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 solution effectively terminates charging in response to impact events, enhancing safety by preventing continued power flow to the vehicle during potentially hazardous situations and allowing for notification of the operator through communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The switch is an inertia switch
Data Source
AI summary
A charge termination system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switch configured to transition from a first position to a second position and a charging circuit extending to an external power source. The switch in the first position permits the charging circuit to charge an electrified vehicle. The switch in the second position prevents the charging circuit from charging the electrified vehicle.