Vehicle Charging Connection Detection Using Resistive Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power supplying systems for vehicles do not efficiently determine and manage the connection state between external power supplying devices and charging devices, leading to suboptimal battery charging.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a power supplying device with a connection state determination unit that determines the connection state between the power supplying device and the charging device using resistive circuits and resistors, allowing for preferred charging by managing voltage changes and identifying anomalous states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a power supplying device charges a vehicle battery, then the battery charging function is achieved, but the connection state between the power supplying device and charging device cannot be determined, leading to suboptimal charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state determinationVSAvoidbattery charging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate device with resistive circuits as a mediator between the power supplying device and charging device. This intermediate device contains pull-up and pull-down resistors that create detectable voltage states, enabling the power supplying device to determine connection status without direct complex communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or communication-based connection detection with an electrical resistance-based detection system. By using resistive circuits with pull-up and pull-down resistors, the system determines connection state through voltage level detection rather than mechanical switches or communication handshaking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If resistive circuits with pull-up and pull-down resistors are used to determine connection state, then connection state determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state determination accuracyVSAvoidresistive circuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection detection function into separate resistive circuits for different connection scenarios. The intermediate device contains dedicated pull-up and pull-down resistors that create distinct voltage states for different connection conditions, allowing independent optimization of each detection path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses changes in electrical resistance parameters to indicate connection state. By configuring pull-up and pull-down resistors with specific resistance values, the system creates detectable voltage parameter changes that correspond to different connection states, enabling accurate detection through simple voltage measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the power supplying device determines connection state accurately, then charging process optimization is achieved, but additional determination units and resistive circuits are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging process optimizationVSAvoiddetermination unit and resistive circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate device with resistive circuits serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection detector, a signal conditioner, and a communication interface between the power supplying device and charging device. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The resistive circuits in the intermediate device automatically establish detectable voltage states when connections are made, without requiring active participation from the power supplying device or charging device. The connection detection is self-triggering based on the physical connection itself, reducing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system ensures efficient and preferred charging of vehicle batteries by accurately determining connection states and managing power supply based on resistive circuit configurations, thereby optimizing charging processes.

Implementation Method 1

the charging unit resistive circuit includes a pull-up resistor connected between the first charging unit line and the second charging unit line, and a first pull-down resistor connected between the second charging unit line and ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250303895A1Electric power supplying system for vehicle, power supplying device for vehicle, intermediate device, and power supplying assembly for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

An electric power supplying system includes a power supplying device and a charging device. The power supplying device is provided outside a vehicle and includes a power supplying unit. The charging device is configured to charge a battery of the vehicle with electric power supplied from the power supplying device and includes a charging unit configured to be connectable to the power supplying unit. The power supplying device includes a connection state determination unit configured to determine a connection state of the power supplying device and the charging device.