Electrical Outlet Magnetic Field Cut-Off for Safe EV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical outlets continuously transmit a magnetic field to electrical plugs, potentially exceeding the maximum amperage of domestic installations when charging vehicle batteries, leading to unsafe charging conditions.

Innovation Solution

An electrical device with a socket that includes cut-off means to prevent the transmission of the magnetic field to the plug, using a magnet and control means to determine the instantaneous global electrical consumption and adjust the magnetic field's intensity or direction based on this value, allowing the plug to receive a communication signal only when safe to do so.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrical outlet continuously transmits a magnetic field to the electrical plug for communication, then the plug can receive charging parameters, but the maximum overall amperage of the electrical installation may be exceeded causing unsafe charging conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging safetyVSAvoidoverloading electrical installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field transmission is made periodic rather than continuous. The outlet transmits the magnetic field only during specific time intervals when needed for communication, and remains inactive during charging operation. This temporal separation allows the system to communicate charging parameters safely without continuously drawing current that could exceed installation amperage limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field communication occurs before the charging current is established. The outlet first transmits the magnetic field to communicate maximum amperage capabilities and charging parameters to the plug, then subsequently provides power. This preliminary communication phase allows the plug to be configured appropriately before full power delivery begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the magnetic field is transmitted continuously, then communication is always available, but charging time increases when the magnetic field must be interrupted to prevent overloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic magnetic field transmission where the field is active only during brief communication intervals and inactive during power delivery. This allows charging to proceed without interruption while maintaining communication capability, thereby preserving charging speed without extending total charging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging process continues uninterrupted while the magnetic field communication occurs in periodic bursts. The useful action of charging is maintained continuously, while the communication function is fulfilled through periodic magnetic field transmission, ensuring both productivity and communication requirements are met simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Ensures safe and efficient charging of vehicle batteries by preventing overloading of the electrical installation, optimizing charging time and current intensity based on the outlet's capabilities and the installation's consumption, thereby preventing damage to the outlet and ensuring safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet designed to generate a magnetic field intended for an electrical plug and representative of said maximum intensity of said electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

cut-off means to prevent the transmission of the magnetic field to the electrical plug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3050176B1Electrical device comprising an electrical outlet comprising a magnet and cut-off means, and associated electrical assembly
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP3050176B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3050176B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3050176B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical outlet (100; 200; 300; 400) suitable for delivering an electric signal with a determined maximum current, comprising a magnet (133; 233; 333; 433) designed to generate a magnetic field intended for an electric plug (500) and representative of said maximum current of said electric signal. According to the invention, it comprises cut-off means (170; 270; 370; 470) for preventing the transmission of said magnetic field to the electric plug (500). The invention also relates to an associated electrical device and electrical assembly.