Modular EV Charging Cable With Bypass Switching for Plug-and-Play Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current charging methods for electric vehicles are complex and cumbersome, requiring identification and authorization processes, and often involve bulky control units that complicate handling and increase the risk of damage during charging.

Innovation Solution

A modular, compact charging cable with a bypass switch that allows for automatic control unit activation based on the type of energy supply unit, eliminating the need for separate control units and simplifying the charging process by enabling 'plug and play' functionality with various energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a control unit (ICCB) is integrated into the charging cable for continuous current power outlets, then the charging process can be controlled and monitored, but the charging cable becomes bulky, heavy, and complex to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process controlVSAvoidcharging cable structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into two distinct types of connection devices: one for charging stations with built-in control and one for continuous current power outlets without control units. This segmentation eliminates the need for an integrated control unit in the charging cable itself, reducing its complexity and bulk while maintaining reliable control where available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging cable is designed with universal adaptability to work with both charging stations (with control) and continuous current power outlets (without control). By using a standardized connection device that can function in both modes, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized cables or integrated control units in the cable itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a control unit (ICCB) is integrated into the charging cable, then charging can be monitored and controlled, but the charging cable becomes difficult to store and handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging monitoringVSAvoidcharging cable handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit function is extracted from the charging cable and placed in the charging station infrastructure instead. The charging cable itself is simplified to contain only the necessary electrical conductors and connection devices, making it lightweight and easy to handle, while the charging station provides the monitoring and control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If identification and authorization processes are required at charging stations, then secure charging can be ensured, but the charging process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging authorizationVSAvoidcharging setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system enables self-service operation where the charging process can be initiated and controlled automatically without requiring manual identification and authorization steps from the user. The system handles authentication and control automatically, reducing the time and complexity of the charging setup process while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230271516A1Charging cable
Publication Date: 2023.08.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20230271516A1 patent drawing
  • US20230271516A1 patent drawing
  • US20230271516A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging cable for electrical connection of an energy store of a vehicle to an energy supply unit. The charging cable includes a charging line including a coupling and as multiple conductors electrically connected to the coupling, a first connection device including an energy transfer arrangement for electrical connection to the energy store, a second connection device including a first connection for electrical connection to the energy supply unit and including a second connection for detachable electrical connection to the coupling, respectively one electrical conductor of the charging line being assigned to at least a portion of the energy transfer arrangement of the first connection device, the first connection device including a control unit, the first connection device or the charging line including a bypass switch, the bypass switch being switchable between a first switching state and a second switching state based on a type of the second connection device.