Vehicle Plug Locking Based on Power Output During External Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles may unintentionally stop external charging or power feed when the charging connector is unlocked during external charging, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implement a vehicle controller that prohibits the release of an electronic lock when power transmission output exceeds a prescribed value and releases the lock when the output is below this value, along with a notification system to inform the user of the output status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic lock is automatically locked after unlocking during external charging, then the charging connector is secured, but external charging unintentionally stops
Solution Approach 1:
The locking control strategy dynamically adjusts based on real-time detection of external charging state and power transmission output. When external charging is detected with output exceeding the threshold, the system maintains locking state despite unlock requests. When output is at or below threshold, normal unlock operations are permitted. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between security and charging continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power transmission output and uses this feedback to control the locking state. The vehicle controller detects the output value and adjusts the electronic lock behavior accordingly - prohibiting unlock when output exceeds threshold and permitting unlock when output is at or below threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures charging continuity while maintaining security.
2Productivity
If the vehicle controller prohibits lock release during high power transmission, then charging continuity is maintained, but user operation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electronic lock based on power transmission output levels. When output exceeds the prescribed threshold, the lock enters a restricted state where unlock commands are ignored. When output is at or below threshold, the lock returns to normal operational state allowing user control. This parameter-based control maintains charging continuity while restoring user flexibility when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle controller periodically monitors power transmission output and adjusts locking behavior in response to changing conditions. This periodic checking ensures that user flexibility is restored as soon as power transmission drops to acceptable levels, while maintaining charging continuity during high power transmission periods.
3Reliability
If the vehicle controller monitors power transmission output continuously, then unintended charging stop is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to handle power transmission monitoring and locking control. Rather than adding a dedicated monitoring system, the controller integrates these functions into its existing architecture, using its processing power and communication interfaces for multiple purposes including charging management, lock control, and output monitoring. This universal approach prevents unintended charging stops without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle inlet to which a vehicle plug that allows external power feed is connected, an electronic lock that locks the vehicle inlet and the vehicle plug, and a vehicle controller that controls the electronic lock. When output in external power feed is larger than 16 A (a prescribed value) at the time of reception of a request for release of locking by the electronic lock from a user, the vehicle controller prohibits release of locking by the electronic lock. When the output in external power feed is equal to or lower than 16 A at the time of reception of the request for release of locking by the electronic lock from the user, the vehicle controller releases locking by the electronic lock.