Proximity Detection Circuit With Sleep-Wake Cordset Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-board vehicle chargers face inefficiencies in detecting connection to a cordset while minimizing current consumption, as existing systems often require continuous power to verify connection status, leading to unnecessary energy usage when the vehicle is not charging.
Innovation Solution
A proximity detection circuit that transitions a lower voltage power source from a sleep state to an active state using a wake-up voltage generated upon cordset connection, allowing for efficient detection of cordset connection with minimal current draw, and then maintains the power source in an active state until the cordset is disconnected, thereby conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to verify connection status, then connection detection reliability is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic wake-up cycles where the lower voltage power source alternates between sleep mode and active mode. During each cycle, the system briefly activates to check for cordset connection, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains connection detection capability while dramatically reducing average current consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary connection detection during the brief wake-up periods before transitioning back to sleep mode. By checking for cordset presence during these predetermined wake-up intervals, the system ensures connection status is verified in advance of any potential charging operation, maintaining reliability without requiring continuous power.
2Loss of time
If the lower voltage power source remains in active state, then connection detection speed is improved, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wake-up cycles with optimized timing to balance detection speed and energy consumption. The wake-up frequency is tuned so that connection detection occurs quickly enough to be useful while keeping the power source in sleep mode most of the time, thereby minimizing energy wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected conditions. When a cordset connection is detected during a wake-up period, the system transitions to and maintains the active state, enabling immediate charging operations. When no connection is present, the system returns to sleep mode, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity detection circuit suitable for use with an on-board vehicle charger, such as but not limited to the type of charges used within hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles, to facilitate current conservation during period of time when it is unnecessary or otherwise undesirable for the on-board charger to test for connection of a cordset or other connection used to connect the on-board charger to a charging station or other current source.