Rotating EVSE Plug Blades for Multi-Voltage Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) connectors lack adaptability to varying amperages and voltages, requiring multiple physical adapters and lacking efficient mechanisms to automatically adjust charging configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cordset with rotatable blades and a fixed ground prong, equipped with sensors and auxiliary contacts, allows for automatic detection of plug types and positions, enabling the provision of different charging currents and voltages (e.g., 15 Amp 120 Volt, 20 Amp 240 Volt) by rotating the blades between vertical and horizontal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical adapters are used to support varying amperages and voltages, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug blade is made rotatable between vertical and horizontal positions to dynamically change the electrical connection configuration. This allows a single connector to adapt to different amperage and voltage requirements without needing multiple static adapters, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal functionality to support multiple charging configurations (15 Amp 120 Volt, 20 Amp 240 Volt, etc.) through blade rotation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized adapters, achieving adaptability without increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical adapters are used for different charging configurations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the plug type and blade position, enabling the charging configuration to be self-adjusted without manual intervention. The user simply needs to rotate the blade to the appropriate position, and the system automatically configures the charging parameters, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adapter switching is required for different amperages and voltages, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect blade position and plug type, providing feedback to the control system. This automatic detection and configuration process eliminates manual adapter switching, allowing rapid adaptation to different charging requirements and significantly improving charging productivity and efficiency
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
Enables seamless adaptation to different charging configurations without the need for physical adapters, enhancing efficiency and convenience in electric vehicle charging.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation sensor may be a Hall effect sensor and the sensor pair may be a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods including a cordset having a housing, the cordset comprising: a first rotatable blade, where the first rotatable blade is rotatable between a first vertical first blade position and a second horizontal first blade position; a second rotatable blade, where the second rotatable blade is rotatable between a first vertical second blade position and a second horizontal second blade position; and a fixed ground prong.