Voltage-Sensing Charging Terminal Access for Safe 12V/24V Jump-Starts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical systems face challenges in safely jump-starting vehicles with multi-voltage systems, as attaching a 24V source to a 12V system can damage the 12V electrical system, and there is a need for a method to ensure correct terminal connection, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-voltage charging apparatus with a housing containing separate compartments and access doors for 12V and 24V charging terminals, featuring a door release circuit that senses the charging voltage and selectively unlocks the corresponding terminal, preventing incorrect connections by physically controlling access based on voltage ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 24V source is attached to a 12V electrical system to jump start the vehicle, then the vehicle can be started, but the 12V electrical system can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage sensing terminal and door release circuit as intermediaries between the external charging source and the charging terminals. The door release circuit senses the applied voltage and selectively unlatches the appropriate access door, preventing direct connection of incompatible voltage sources to the wrong terminals. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling jump-start operation while preventing system damage through voltage-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the door release circuit continuously monitors the voltage at the voltage sensing terminal and adjusts the latching state of access doors accordingly. When a specific voltage range is detected, the corresponding door is unlatched to allow charging; otherwise, doors remain latched to prevent incorrect connections. This feedback loop ensures safe operation while maintaining jump-start capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If access to charging terminals is restricted to prevent incorrect connections, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the access control dynamic by using voltage-sensitive latching mechanisms that automatically adjust their state based on the detected voltage. Access doors are latched under normal conditions to prevent incorrect connections, but automatically unlatch when the correct voltage is applied. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both safety through restriction and ease of operation through automatic access when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The door release circuit performs self-service by automatically sensing the applied voltage and controlling the latching mechanisms without requiring manual intervention. The system itself determines when access should be granted or denied based on voltage detection, eliminating the need for operators to manually select terminals or override safety mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains safety while simplifying the charging process.
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
Ensures safe and correct charging by physically restricting access to the appropriate terminal based on the applied voltage, preventing damage to the vehicle's electrical system and ensuring proper jump-starting procedures even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensing terminal, and a door release circuit coupled to the voltage sensing terminal and to the first and second releasable latching mechanisms and configured to sense a charging voltage applied to the voltage sensing terminal
Implementation Method 2
The door release circuit is configured to selectively unlatch the first releasable latching mechanism in response to a first voltage being applied to the voltage sensing terminal, and to selectively unlatch the second releasable latching mechanism in response to a second voltage being applied to the voltage sensing terminal
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A charging apparatus includes at least one housing including a compartment, an access door connected to the housing and covering the compartment, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, a releasable latching mechanism configured to latch the access door in the closed position, a charging terminal in the compartment, a voltage sensing terminal, and a door release circuit coupled to the voltage sensing terminal and to the releasable latching mechanisms and configured to sense a charging voltage applied to the voltage sensing terminal. The door release circuit is configured to selectively unlatch the releasable latching mechanism in response to a voltage within a predetermined voltage range being applied to the voltage sensing terminal.