Magnetic Connector Apparatus for EV Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging connectors face inefficiencies due to contact resistance, charging interruptions, and complexity in attachment and detachment, which reduce overall charging efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector apparatus utilizing contactless magnetic coupling between a primary and secondary coil, facilitated by a magnetic core, eliminates contact resistance and enhances charging efficiency and ease of use by using a transformer as a connector and incorporating a C-shaped magnetic core with a hinge structure for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a typical connector is used to maintain contact between conductors, then electric coupling is achieved, but contact resistance causes energy loss and reduces charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based electrical connection with a magnetic field-based inductive coupling system. The primary coil in the connector generates a magnetic field that induces current in the secondary coil of the inlet, eliminating physical contact between conductors and thus eliminating contact resistance and associated energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the battery. The magnetic field, generated by the primary coil, serves as the medium for energy transfer, replacing the direct electrical contact and eliminating the harmful contact resistance effect.
2Reliability
If connector contact surface and bonding strength are increased to prevent charging interruption, then reliability improves, but connector structure becomes more complex and volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. This eliminates the need for large contact surfaces and strong bonding mechanisms, thereby simplifying the connector structure while maintaining or improving reliability through contactless energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical contact to magnetic field coupling. By operating in the magnetic field domain rather than the mechanical contact domain, the system achieves reliable energy transfer without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If connector contact surface and bonding strength are increased to prevent charging interruption, then reliability improves, but attachment and detachment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with inductive coupling, eliminating the need for forceful attachment and detachment. The magnetic coupling allows for easier connection and disconnection while maintaining reliable energy transfer through the magnetic field.
4Productivity
If a typical connector is used to maintain contact, then electric coupling is achieved, but contact resistance reduces overall charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact with magnetic field-based inductive coupling, eliminating contact resistance and the associated energy losses, thereby improving overall charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the harmful effect of contact resistance by transitioning to a contactless system. By removing the source of energy loss (contact resistance), the system converts a previously problematic contact-based system into an efficient magnetic coupling system.
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 magnetic connector apparatus improves charging efficiency by eliminating contact resistance and interruptions, simplifies attachment and detachment, and reduces structural complexity, ensuring reliable electric coupling and efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic core part magnetically connecting between the primary wire and the secondary wire
Implementation Method 2
contactless magnetic coupling... utilizing transformer as a connector
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic connector apparatus that charges an electric vehicle through contactless magnetic coupling. The magnetic connector apparatus includes an external charger, an inlet, and a magnetic connector. The inlet is connected to a rechargeable battery of the vehicle. The magnetic connector is connected to a power source of the external charger and is transferred to the vehicle to be inserted into the inlet.