Wireless Charging Cable Detection System for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles equipped with electrical energy stores face issues where drivers may accidentally or intentionally leave the charging cable behind, leading to incomplete charging and potential breakdowns, as existing systems do not effectively detect the presence of the charging cable before driving off.
Innovation Solution
A detection device within the motor vehicle wirelessly determines the presence of the charging cable, communicating with a control unit to inform the driver and block driving if the cable is not present, with an unlocking mechanism allowing the driver to override this block after a defined action, and optionally using RFID technology for signal transmission and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver leaves the charging cable behind for convenience or intentional reasons, then the driver can depart quickly without stowage actions, but the vehicle cannot be charged at the destination leading to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device performs preliminary detection of the charging cable's presence before the vehicle is driven away. The control unit proactively informs the driver about the missing cable before departure, allowing the driver to take corrective action (retrieve the cable) before it becomes a problem at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver through the control unit when the charging cable is detected to be missing. This feedback mechanism (visual, acoustic, or haptic warning) informs the driver of the situation, enabling the driver to make an informed decision about whether to retrieve the cable or proceed with departure.
2Reliability
If the charging cable is detected as missing and driving is blocked, then the driver is prevented from accidental departure without the cable, but the driver cannot depart even when intentional departure without cable is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The control unit can change the driving block status based on driver input. When the driver provides explicit confirmation (e.g., pressing a button or performing a specific action sequence), the system dynamically adjusts from a blocking state to an allowed state, accommodating both safety concerns and driver autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver about the blocking status and requests driver confirmation. This two-way communication allows the driver to understand why driving is blocked and provides a mechanism for the driver to override the block when intentional departure without the cable is desired, balancing safety with flexibility.
3Loss of information
If a detection device is implemented to detect the charging cable presence, then the driver is informed about missing cable before departure, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable itself provides identification information (e.g., through RFID or other wireless communication) that allows the detection device to identify its presence or absence. The cable essentially serves itself by providing the necessary identification, reducing the complexity of the detection system compared to active sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection methods (such as physical switches, sensors, or mechanical interlocks) with wireless detection technology. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable detection capability, as wireless systems generally have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance.
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
Prevents accidental departure without the charging cable, ensuring the vehicle is not driven off without it, thereby avoiding breakdowns and providing a clear information pathway for the driver to manage the cable's presence, while allowing intentional departure without the cable in specific situations.
Implementation Method 1
optionally using RFID technology for signal transmission and energy efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1), comprising an electrical energy storage device (2) chargeable via an external charging device (3), and a charging cable (4) for connecting the motor vehicle (1) to the charging device (3), wherein the motor vehicle (1) further comprises a detection device for wireless detection of the presence of the charging cable (4) in at least one region of the motor vehicle (1) and a control unit (10, 11) communicating with the detection device. The control unit is designed, in particular upon start-up of the motor vehicle (1), to inform a driver and/or to block vehicle operation when the detection result indicates the absence of a charging cable (4).