Rotatable Neutral Blade Cordset for Multi-Outlet EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) connectors lack flexibility in adapting to varying amperages and voltages, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns when charging electric vehicles, as they often require multiple adapters and do not prevent unauthorized device connections.
Innovation Solution
A cordset with a rotatable neutral blade that can be positioned horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, equipped with sensors to detect the blade's position and adjust charging current accordingly, and an adapter plug with an angled neutral slot to prevent unauthorized device connections, allowing the cordset to be used with different outlets and power settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position connector is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying amperages and voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral blade is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between horizontal, vertical, and angled orientations. This dynamic positioning enables the single connector to adapt to different outlet types (NEMA 14-60, NEMA 14-50, and low power adapters) without requiring multiple separate connectors or adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to achieve different power settings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that can directly connect to multiple different outlet types through the rotatable neutral blade mechanism. This eliminates the need for multiple separate adapters, reducing potential failure points and improving safety by providing a single integrated connection system rather than multiple adapter layers.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the rotational position of the neutral blade and provides feedback to the charging system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the maximum charge current to match the appropriate outlet rating (48A for horizontal, 40A for vertical, 10A for angled position), ensuring safe operation without requiring user intervention or multiple adapters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connectors are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they require multiple adapters and do not prevent unauthorized device connections
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plug incorporates an angled neutral slot that creates an asymmetric mechanical interface. This asymmetric design acts as a physical key, allowing only authorized devices with matching angled blades to connect, while preventing unauthorized devices from being plugged in. The asymmetric geometry provides inherent connection control without requiring complex electronic authentication systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods including a cordset having a housing comprising: a rotatable neutral blade, where the rotatable neutral blade is rotatable between a first horizontal position, a second vertical position, and a third angled position; a first hot plug blade; a second hot plug blade; and a ground plug blade.