Charge Connector Adaptor With Wireless Protocol for Safe EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging connectors and charge ports have multiple standardizations, leading to compatibility issues between vehicles and charging stations, which can result in improper charging and potential damage to the rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the adaptor, and the charging connector.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charge connector adaptor with a wireless communication protocol that includes a housing with a plug to engage with the charge port and a receptacle for the charging connector, along with a communication system comprising a signal receiver and transmitter, and a control system that communicates operational and charging parameters between the charging station, vehicle, and portable electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If after-market adaptors are used to interface between mis-matched charging connectors and charge ports, then compatibility between charging stations and vehicles is improved, but the charge profile compatibility is lost leading to improper charging
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor includes a control system that acts as an intermediary between the charging station and the vehicle. This control system communicates charging parameters and operational data between the two parties, ensuring that the charge profile is properly matched even when physical connectors are adapted. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding intelligence to the adaptation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors charging conditions and communicates status information between the charging station and vehicle. This feedback loop ensures that charging parameters are adjusted in real-time to maintain profile compatibility, preventing improper charging while using physical adaptors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging at incompatible rates is performed to increase charging availability, then more charging stations become accessible, but damage to the RESS, adaptor, or charging connector occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by communicating adapter capability protocols and current limitations to the charging station before charging begins. This advance notification allows the charging station to configure appropriate charging parameters, preventing incompatible charging rates from damaging the RESS or components while still enabling access to various charging stations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standardizations for charging connectors are maintained to support different vehicles, then vehicle-specific charging requirements are met, but compatibility issues arise between charging stations and vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed as a universal interface that can physically connect different connector types. The control system enhances this universality by communicating with various charging stations and vehicles through standardized protocols, allowing a single adaptor design to serve multiple charging standards and vehicle types, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging connector adaptor for connecting a charging connector associated with a charging station to a charge port on a vehicle includes a housing having a plug configured to engage with the charge port and a receptacle configured to be engaged by the charging connector. A communication system is arranged in the housing. The communication system includes a signal receiver and a signal transmitter. A control system is operatively connected to the communication system. The control system is configured to communicate, through the signal transmitter, operational parameters of the charging connector adaptor to the charging station.