Integrated Power Conversion Apparatus for AC to DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Normal chargers for electric vehicles, which use AC power, cannot effectively charge vehicles equipped only with DC inlets, limiting the usability of existing charging infrastructure and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus with a housing containing a DC connector, an AC inlet, and a first power conversion circuit that converts AC power to DC power, allowing vehicles with only a DC inlet to receive power from AC power feeding facilities, while enhancing durability through integration and elevated positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first power conversion circuit and DC connector are provided in separate housings connected through a flexible cable, then the device can be assembled separately, but stress and torsion occur in the flexible cable reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first power conversion circuit and the DC connector into a single integrated housing, eliminating the flexible cable connection between them. This integration removes the source of stress and torsion, thereby improving durability while maintaining manufacturability through modular design of the entire power conversion apparatus.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the housing is placed on the ground to receive weight, then stability is improved, but water submersion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vehicle itself as a support structure, where the DC connector connects to the vehicle's inlet and the vehicle's body supports the housing weight. This counteracts the need to place the housing on the ground, providing stability while keeping the power conversion apparatus elevated above ground level to prevent water submersion.
3Reliability
If the DC connector, AC inlet and first power conversion circuit are integrated in a single housing, then durability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the DC connector, AC inlet, and first power conversion circuit into a single housing, eliminating the need for separate housings and flexible cable connections. This merger improves durability by removing stress points while the integrated design simplifies the overall structure, actually reducing complexity compared to multiple separate components.
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
Enables vehicles with only a DC inlet to be charged using AC power feeding facilities, maintaining user convenience and extending the life of charging infrastructure by reducing stress and preventing water submersion, while providing protection against electrical abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
The first power conversion circuit is located between the AC inlet and the DC connector, and configured to convert AC power input from the AC inlet side into DC power and output the DC power to the DC connector side
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes a housing including an AC inlet and a DC connector. The DC connector is connectable to an inlet for DC power of a vehicle. The AC inlet is connectable to a connector of a cable for AC power. A rectifier circuit is housed in the housing. The rectifier circuit is located between the AC inlet and the DC connector, and configured to convert AC power input from the AC inlet side into DC power and output the DC power to the DC connector side.