Reconfigurable Rectifier Connections for Lower Current Charging Plugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rectifier arrangements face challenges in efficiently managing current paths and neutral conductor usage, leading to increased technical complexity and costs, especially when interfacing with charging systems in vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A rectifier arrangement with interchangeable configurations that allow for independent current paths and neutral conductor utilization, featuring a circuit arrangement with changeover switches and coils, enabling flexible interconnections to manage current distribution efficiently across multiple phases and reduce switch requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If individual connections are interconnected to all circuit arrangements, then the current distribution is simplified, but the maximum current at connections increases leading to higher technical complexity and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnical complexity of charging plugVSAvoidmaximum current at connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit arrangements are divided into two groups (first group and second group) with separate current paths. The first connections are connected only to the first group, and the second connections are connected only to the second group. This segmentation allows each connection to handle lower individual currents, reducing the technical complexity and cost of the charging plug while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If connections are separated into different groups for independent current paths, then the maximum current at individual connections is reduced, but the interconnection apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum current at connectionsVSAvoidinterconnection apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnection apparatus incorporates switches that can dynamically change the configuration between the two possible states: first configuration (with separated current paths for reduced maximum current) and second configuration (with interconnected paths for simplified current distribution). This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, balancing current reduction benefits against interconnection complexity as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a neutral conductor is used on all circuit arrangements, then the current distribution becomes more flexible, but the switch requirements and technical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent distribution flexibilityVSAvoidswitch requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second connection serves multiple functions: it acts as a neutral conductor for the second group of circuit arrangements in the first configuration, and can be interconnected with other connections in the second configuration. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve flexible current distribution and neutral conductor utilization without requiring dedicated switches for each function, thereby reducing overall technical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution reduces electrical resistance and costs by allowing for lower maximum currents at individual connections, improving safety and service life through reduced ripple currents and uniform current distribution, while enabling efficient operation in various supply network configurations.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the circuit arrangements further has a changeover arrangement and a coil connected in series with the first and second changeover arrangement connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11837967B2Rectifier arrangement with connections, circuit arrangements and an interconnection apparatus that has switches to enable different configurations between the connections and the circuit arrangements

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A rectifier arrangement for rectifying an AC voltage into a DC voltage has connections, circuit arrangements, an interconnection apparatus and an intermediate circuit. Each circuit arrangement has first and second circuit arrangement connections, between which a changeover arrangement and a coil are connected in series with the changeover arrangement. The changeover arrangements are interconnected to the intermediate circuit. The interconnection apparatus is designed to enable at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the circuit arrangements form a first group and a second group, with two connections connected to the circuit arrangements in the first group, but not to the circuit arrangements in the second group, and two connections are connected to the circuit arrangements in the second group, but not to the circuit arrangements in the first group. In the second configuration, at least one of the connections is connected to all circuit arrangements.