Vehicle-to-Vehicle Charging Cable With Automatic EV Battery Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The infrastructure for charging electric vehicles (EVs) has not kept pace with the growing popularity of EVs, limiting accessible charging options and range of travel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-to-vehicle charging system that allows compatible EVs to transfer charge between each other using a cable with distinct connectors, automatically establishing connections based on proximity resistance values and voltage compatibility, enabling charge transfer without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional charging stations are used, then charging infrastructure is established, but the accessibility and coverage area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static charging station into a dynamic system where any EV can become a mobile charging station. The charging capability moves with the vehicle rather than being fixed at a location, allowing the charging service to dynamically adapt to user needs and expand coverage area without building physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each EV universally functional by enabling it to serve dual purposes: as a charge acceptor during normal operation and as a charge donor when another EV needs power. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated charging stations and expands charging accessibility to any location where compatible EVs are present.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging infrastructure is expanded, then more charging locations are available, but the cost and complexity of infrastructure deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables EVs to charge each other autonomously without requiring external charging infrastructure. The system uses self-service principles where vehicles automatically detect compatibility, establish connections, and transfer charge based on their own battery states, eliminating the need for complex centralized charging management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication protocol as an intermediary that coordinates charge transfer between vehicles. This software-based mediator handles voltage matching, connection management, and charge distribution logic, replacing the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining system coordination and safety.
3Ease of operation
If manual charging connection is used, then charging can be established, but the charging process requires human intervention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles continuously monitor connection status, voltage levels, and battery states. This real-time feedback enables the system to automatically adjust charging parameters, detect connection establishment, and manage the entire charging process without human intervention, significantly reducing setup time and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system operates autonomously by automatically detecting compatible vehicles, establishing electrical connections, and managing charge transfer. The vehicles themselves perform all operational tasks including connection management and charging control, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing time loss.
4Reliability
If voltage compatibility checking is performed, then safe charging is ensured, but the detection and verification process adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by automatically matching vehicles with compatible voltage levels before establishing charge transfer. The system ensures that charge donors and acceptors operate at compatible electrical potentials, preventing damage from voltage mismatches while using straightforward voltage detection and comparison logic rather than complex control systems.
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
Increases charging accessibility by providing mobile charging stations, enhances travel range, and complements or replaces conventional charging methods.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a first proximity resistance value corresponding to a first connector located at a first end of a cable
Implementation Method 2
storing charge received from the battery of the second vehicle at the battery of the first vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods and devices for vehicle-to-vehicle charging. In one aspect, a system includes a charge acceptor vehicle, a charge donor vehicle, and a cable having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to trigger a request to establish an electrical connection with the battery of the charge acceptor vehicle in response to a determination that the second connector is plugged into a charging port of the charge donor vehicle. The second connector is configured to automatically establish an electrical connection to the battery of the charge donor vehicle. The cable is configured to support charge transfer from the battery of the charge donor vehicle to the battery of the charge acceptor vehicle. Details regarding the cable and a method of transferring charge between two vehicles are also disclosed.