Portable EVSE Cord With In-Line Controller For Remote Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging equipment is typically stationary and not portable, leaving vehicles without power when far from commercial recharging stations or home charging equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) unit is designed as a flexible cord with an in-line controller, allowing it to be used with standard electric outlets, featuring a docking connector, utility plug, and a microprocessor-controlled system for safe and efficient charging, including temperature monitoring and communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary EVSE units connected to household electric utility panels are used, then charging reliability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE system is divided into two separate sections: a portable cord section with docking connector and utility plug that can be moved freely, and a stationary controller unit that remains fixed. This segmentation allows the charging function to be portable while the control system maintains reliability, resolving the contradiction between portability and charging reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable EVSE units are used, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex controller unit is extracted from the portable cord and placed as a separate stationary unit. This extraction removes the source of complexity from the portable section, allowing the cord to remain simple and portable while the controller handles the complex control functions in a fixed location.
3Reliability
If in-line controller with temperature monitoring is added, then charging safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The in-line controller serves as an intermediary device between the power source and the EV battery. It incorporates temperature monitoring and control functions to ensure safe charging operations. By placing this intermediary controller in a stationary position rather than in the portable cord, the patent achieves enhanced safety while keeping the portable section simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) unit is formed as a cord of plural insulated conductors and a flexible outer sheath enclosing said plural insulated conductors. The cord includes an EVSE docking connector on a docking end of the cord and a utility plug on a utility end of the cord, said cord being divided into a docking section terminated at said docking connector and a utility section terminated at said utility connector. The cord further includes an in-line EVSE controller and a housing enclosing said controller, said housing sealed with said flexible outer sheath and disposed at an intermediate section of said cord between said docking and utility sections.