Automatic inspection and locking of electric vehicle charging stations

Abstract

An electric vehicle power supply equipment (EVSE) cartridge is described that includes a locking mechanism and an image capture device. The image capture device is configured to capture image data relating to a connector face of the charging connector when the charging connector is inserted into the socket. The image data is then analyzed to determine whether there is a physical anomaly on the charging connector (e.g., charging connector damage or debris stuck within the charging connector). If a physical anomaly is detected, a locking mechanism is actuated to lock the charging connector to the gun receptacle until maintenance is performed on the charging connector.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is an international application of and claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 056,540, filed on November 17, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) (also referred to as a "charging station" or "charging dock") is a system used to charge one or more batteries of an electric vehicle (EV). For example, an EVSE system can include electrical conductors, associated equipment, software, and communication protocols to efficiently deliver electrical energy to the EV.

[0004] Charging cables and connectors are critical high-value components that may experience continuous human use (and misuse) every day throughout the life cycle of the EVSE. These charging cables and connectors are likely to be damaged during their service life. As an example, a charging connector may break and fail to work properly. As another example, pebbles or dust may get stuck in the socket of the connector. A human operator responsible for inspecting the damage of the connector may not be able to immediately detect the damage when it occurs. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The following detailed description will be elaborated with reference to the drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only example embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the leftmost (multiple) digits of a reference number may identify the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number indicates similar, but not necessarily the same or identical, components. However, different reference numbers may also be used to identify similar components. Various embodiments may utilize elements or components other than those illustrated in the figures, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The use of a singular term to describe a component or element may, depending on the context, cover a plural number of such components or elements, and vice versa.

[0006] Figures 1A - 1C An example gun holder and charging connector for an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted.

[0007] Figure 1D A latch of a charging connector according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0008] Figure 1E A latch of a charging connector inserted into a gun holder according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0009] Figure 1F Depicts an example charging connector face including different target icons according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figures 2A - 2B Depicts an example locking mechanism for an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figures 3A - 3B Depicts a perspective view of an example gun plug receptacle and a charging connector for an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figures 4A - 4B Depicts an example wire harness positioned on the locking mechanism of an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 4C - 4D Depicts a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a locking mechanism position detection connector according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 Depicts another example gun plug receptacle for an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 Depicts example internal components of a gun plug receptacle according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 7A - 7B Depicts an example gun plug receptacle housing for an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7C Depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an example gun plug receptacle housing according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 7D - 7E Depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an example gun plug receptacle housing according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the engagement of a charging connector latch with the gun plug receptacle housing.

[0019] Figure 8 Depicts an example image capture device for an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 Depicts an example locking mechanism cover according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 Depicts an example wire harness according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 Depicts an exemplary bulkhead in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 Depicts an exemplary EVSE system in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 Depicts an exemplary flowchart in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 14 Is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative device in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0026] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, methods, computer-readable media, techniques, methodologies, and the like for automatic inspection and locking of EVSEs. In particular, the gun holder of an EVSE (e.g., the part of the EVSE into which a charging connector can be inserted when not in use for charging an EV) can include one or more internal locking mechanisms for locking the charging connector to the gun holder when it is determined that the charging connector is damaged (or associated with any other type of physical anomaly). The charging connector is locked in the gun holder to prevent the damaged charging connector from being used again before maintenance is performed. This determination can be made based on images (any mention of "images" herein also includes videos) of the charging connector captured by an image capture device also provided within the gun holder. The system can automatically analyze these images to make such a determination (e.g., using computer vision techniques, machine learning models, etc.). The locking mechanism can remain in the locked position until it is determined that the damage to the charging connector has been repaired, or an authorized technician has reached the location of the charging connector and can remove the charging connector from the gun holder to repair the charging connector.

[0027] Generally speaking, the example method may at least include the following. When the user correctly places the EVSE connector back into the gun holder, the camera inside the gun holder illuminates the connection surface (e.g., using infrared illumination and / or illumination of any other wavelength) and captures a high-resolution image of the connector. The image of the connector surface can be uploaded to an external system (e.g., an external server), which can analyze whether there are physical abnormalities in the image, such as cracks, warping, or other permanent damage (e.g., using artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc.). Then, the external system can return different values depending on the result of the analysis. For example, if the connection is damaged, the external system can return a value of one; if the connection is not damaged, the external system can return a value of zero (but this is just an example). If the returned value is one, then an automatic lock can be set so that the connector cannot be used until the required EVSE maintenance is completed and the fault is cleared. More details about the hardware and the associated method will be provided with respect to the drawings below.

[0028] Returning to the drawings, Figures 1A - 1B An example gun holder 103 and a charging connector 102 for an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) are depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] The charging connector 102 can be a component of the EVSE that is inserted into a charging port located on the EV for the purpose of transferring electrical power from the EVSE to the EV to charge the EV. Once the charging process has been completed, the user can place the charging connector 102 back into the gun holder 103 for storage on the EVSE until another user uses the charging connector 102 to charge another EV. The gun holder 103 can be mounted on a partition 180 of the EVSE, and the partition 180 can separate the gun holder 103 from the body of the EVSE (not shown in this figure but illustrated in Figure 12 ). The charging connector can include any type of charging connector compatible with any type of EV plug. For example, the charging connector can be compatible with a type 1 or type 2 alternating current (AC) plug, a combined charging system (CCS), or a CHAdeMO direct current (DC) plug, and / or any other type of plug that can be included on an electric vehicle.

[0030] The gun holder 103 can include one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., locking mechanism 113, locking mechanism 115, and / or any other number of locking mechanisms). In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism can be mounted to a locking mechanism cover 110, which can be a physical structure provided inside the gun holder 103 (however, this is not necessary and is not intended to be limiting). More details about the locking mechanism cover 110 will be provided in the description associated with Figure 9 it.

[0031] The locking mechanism can be configured to be actuated between different positions. In a first position, the locking mechanism can engage with the charging connector such that the charging connector 102 is then locked in place within the gun holder housing 104. In particular, the charging connector 102 can include a latch 111, where a flange 109 is located at the end of the latch 111. When the charging connector 102 is inserted into the gun holder 103, the flange 109 engages with a protrusion 105 of the gun holder 103. Normally, the latch 111 is configured to disengage from the protrusion 109 so that the user can remove the charging connector 102 from the gun holder 103. However, when the locking mechanism 113 is in the first position, the control arm of the locking mechanism 113 (not shown in this figure but shown in more detail in Figures 2A - 2B , Figures 4A - 4B and Figure 6 ) can be actuated to a position above the latch 111. This prevents the vertical movement of the latch 111, such that the latch 111 cannot disengage from the protrusion 105. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the structure of the gun holder housing 104 and / or the structures contained within the gun holder housing 104 (e.g., the locking mechanism cover 110) can be provided above the control arm, such that when the charging connector 102 is locked in the gun holder 103, further prevention of the vertical movement of the control arm is achieved. The control arm can also be further fixed in any other way. Figure 1C Another illustration of an example gun holder 103 and charging connector 102 for an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is shown, where components other than the locking mechanisms 113 and 115 are shown in shadow to emphasize the positioning of the locking mechanisms 113 and 115.

[0032] In a second position, the locking mechanism 113 can disengage from the charging connector 102 such that the charging connector 102 can then be removed from the gun holder housing 104 for use (e.g., inserted into an electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle). That is, the control arm of the locking mechanism 113 can be actuated again to a position away from the latch 111. Then, the latch 111 can freely disengage from the protrusion 105, and the charging connector 102 can be removed from the gun holder 103. Further illustrations of the locking mechanism are provided at least Figures 2A - 2B , Figures 4A - 4B and Figure 6 . The use of the latch 111 and the protrusion 109 is merely an example configuration that allows the charging connector 102 to be locked in the gun holder 103, and any other suitable mechanism can also be used.

[0033] The gun plug receptacle housing 104 may also include one or more shielding elements (e.g., shielding element 108 and shielding element 109). The shielding element may include any type of opaque material provided between the locking mechanism and the gun plug receptacle housing 104. The shielding element may prevent at least a portion of the locking mechanism from being seen from the user's perspective. In particular, the shielding element may allow the locking indicator 114 to be presented only when the locking mechanism is in the first position and the charging connector 102 is locked in place within the gun plug receptacle housing 104. For example, Figure 1B A scene is illustrated in which the locking mechanism 113 is in the first position and the locking indicator 114 provided on the locking mechanism 113 is visible adjacent to the shielding element 108. In contrast, Figure 1A A scene is illustrated in which the locking mechanism 113 is in the second position and the locking indicator 114 is no longer visible to the user. In this scenario, the locking indicator 114 is positioned behind the shielding element 113 rather than adjacent to the shielding element 108. Thus, using the locking indicator and the shielding element allows the user to quickly visually determine whether the charging connector is locked in the gun plug receptacle 103.

[0034] To allow the locking indicator 114 to transition from a position visible to the user to a position where it is no longer visible (or vice versa), the locking indicator 114 may be provided on the control arm of the locking mechanism 113 (shown in more detail in Figures 2A - 2B . When the locking mechanism 113 is actuated to lock the charging connector 102 into the gun plug receptacle housing 104, the control arm is actuated such that the locking indicator 114 is then visible (e.g., the portion of the control arm including the locking indicator 114 is actuated from a position behind the shielding element to a position adjacent to the shielding element.)

[0035] Although the gun plug receptacle housing 104 is depicted in the figures as including only two locking mechanisms, this is not intended to be limiting. Depending on the number of charging connectors that the gun plug receptacle housing 104 is configured to receive, any other number of locking mechanisms may also be included. Additionally, any reference to a single locking mechanism, shielding element, etc. may similarly apply to any other number of locking mechanisms, shielding elements, etc. Figures 2A - 2B These locking mechanisms are further illustrated and described in greater detail in

[0036] The gun plug receptacle housing 104 can also provide an image capture device 106. The image capture device 106 can be, for example, a camera, or any other type of device capable of capturing images and / or videos. The image capture device 106 can be positioned within the gun plug receptacle 103 such that the lens of the image capture device 106 faces the charging connector 102. In this way, when the charging connector is inserted into the gun plug receptacle 103 when not in use for charging an electric vehicle, the image capture device 106 can capture an image of the charging connector 102. As shown in the figure, the image capture device 106 can also include multiple lenses (e.g., lens 120, lens 121, and / or any other number of lenses) facing several different directions. This can allow the image capture device 106 to capture images of multiple charging connectors that can be inserted into the gun plug receptacle 103 (this figure only shows the charging connector 102 inserted into the gun plug receptacle 103, but the gun plug receptacle 103 can also be configured to receive any other number of charging connectors. Although not illustrated in this figure, the image capture device 106 can be mounted to the gun plug receptacle 103 and / or the partition 180. The image capture device 106 can also include a wired or wireless connection (as Figure 12 shown) to one or more controllers included within the body of the EVSE. The (multiple) wired or wireless connection can allow for power and / or data transfer between the image capture device 106 and one or more controllers. The image capture device 106 will be described in more detail with respect to Figure 8 .

[0037] Figure 1D The latch 111 of the charging connector 102 according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The figure also shows that the latch 111 can be configured to rotate about a pivot 123 (to allow the latch 111 to engage and disengage with the protrusion 105 of the gun plug receptacle housing 104 ( Figure 1D not shown). A button 125 can be provided on the charging connector 102, and the user can press the button 125 to facilitate the pivoting action of the latch 111. However, the pivoting action can also be performed in any other manner based on the configuration of a particular charging connector. Figure 1E The latch 111 of the charging connector 102 inserted into the gun plug receptacle 103 according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 1FShows an example charging connector face including different target icons in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the figure illustrates a method that can distinguish different charging connectors associated with an EVSE. For example, in some embodiments, the gun plug receptacle can be associated with four different charging connectors (this is merely exemplary). The system may need to be able to identify which charging connector is determined to have a physical anomaly so that a technician can quickly identify the charging connector that needs maintenance.

[0039] The identification method can involve providing an indicator in a target icon 140 provided on the face of the charging connector. The figure shows that a "dot" or other type of indicator is provided within one of the four quadrants of the target icon 140. For example, the target icon 142 includes an indicator in the upper right quadrant. The target icon 144 includes an indicator in the upper left quadrant. The target icon 146 includes an indicator in the lower left quadrant. The target icon 148 includes an indicator in the lower right quadrant.

[0040] Providing indicators in different quadrants can allow different charging connectors to be identified based on image data captured by the image capture device 106. For example, when the charging connector 102 is inserted into the gun plug receptacle 103, the image capture device 106 can capture an image of the face of the charging connector 102, which can include the target icon.

[0041] In some cases, the image data can be provided to a technician (e.g., provided to a mobile device application and / or any other device or system accessible to the technician) along with an indication that the charging connector needs maintenance to address the identified physical anomaly. The technician can then visually identify the charging connector that needs maintenance based on the target icon included in the image. However, a controller (e.g., controller 1291 and / or controller 1292) and / or any other system or device can automatically identify a specific charging connector based on the target icon. Subsequently, an indication of the specific charging connector can be provided to the technician, rather than just providing an image of the face of the charging connector. For example, the charging connector can be identified based on its position on the gun plug receptacle relative to other charging connectors. As a second example, each charging connector associated with the gun plug receptacle can include a unique identifier that can allow the technician to identify the charging connector even when the face of the charging connector is inserted into the gun plug receptacle (e.g., different charging connectors can be labeled "1", "2", etc.). As a third example, each charging connector can be equipped with a display. This can allow the charging connector to display text information (or other forms of information) indicating whether the specific charging connector is determined to be associated with a physical anomaly. An indication of the charging connector that needs maintenance can also be provided in any other way.

[0042] This is just one example way to identify different charging connectors and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the target icons shown in the figures, any other type of visual indicator can be used to identify the charging connector. The charging connector can also be identified in any other way, including methods that do not necessarily require the use of visual indicators.

[0043] Figures 2A - 2B Depicted is an exemplary locking mechanism 200 for an EVSE in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the locking mechanism 200 shown in the figures can be the same as or similar to the locking mechanisms 113 and 115 and any other locking mechanisms described herein.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism 200 can at least include a control arm 220, a first gear 222 that meshes with a second gear 224, a motor 226, and a third gear 228 that also meshes with the second gear 224. The locking mechanism 200 can operate to move the control arm 220 between various different positions, at least including a first position (as shown in Figure 2A ), and a second position (as shown in Figure 2B ).

[0045] In the first position, the control arm 220 is actuated to allow the charging connector 102 to be freely inserted into and removed from the gun socket housing 104. In the first position, the locking indicator 214 is hidden behind the shielding element 208 and is not visible to the user. This indicates to the user that the charging connector is not locked within the gun socket housing 104. That is, when the control arm 220 is in the first position, a user located in front of the EVSE may not be able to see the locking indicator 214.

[0046] In the second position, the control arm 220 is actuated to prevent the charging connector 102 from being freely inserted into and removed from the gun socket housing 104. For example, as described with respect to Figures 1A - 1B , when the locking mechanism 200 is in the second position, the control arm 220 of the locking mechanism 200 can be actuated to a position above a latch (not shown in the figures). This prevents the vertical movement of the latch such that the latch cannot disengage from a protrusion (not shown in the figures). In the second position, the locking indicator 214 is adjacent to the shielding element 208 and is visible to the user. This indicates to the user that the charging connector is locked within the gun socket housing 104 and cannot be removed using physical force.

[0047] To actuate the control arm 220 between a first position and a second position, the motor 226 can be driven to rotate the shaft 227 coupled to the motor 226. A third gear 228 is provided on the shaft 227 such that the third gear 228 rotates as the shaft 228 rotates. The third gear 228 can also mesh with the second gear 224. Similarly, the second gear 224 can mesh with the first gear 222. The first gear 222 can be coupled to the control arm 220. In this manner, when the motor 226 is driven, the third gear 224 rotates, which causes the second gear 224 to rotate, which causes the first gear 222 to rotate, ultimately causing the actuation of the control arm 220. Although the terms “first position” and “second position” are referred to herein, these terms are only used to illustrate different positions of the control arm and are not intended to be limiting. For example, elsewhere in this document, the “first position” can refer to the position where the locking mechanism is in the “locked position”.

[0048] Although not shown in the figures, a wiring harness can provide an electrical connection between the motor 226 and one or more controllers associated with the EVSE (e.g., Figure 12 controller 1291 in Figures 1A - 1B and / or any other controller described herein). For example, the wiring harness can be shown as Figures 3A - 3B the wiring harness 112 in Figures 4A - 4B the wiring harness 312 in Figure 5 the wiring harness 412 in Figure 6 the wiring harness 512 in Figure 10 the wiring harness 612 in Figure 10 the wiring harness 1012 in

[0049] Figures 3A - 3B A perspective view of an example gun holder 303 and a charging connector 302 for an EVSE in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0050] Specifically, the perspective view shows that the charging connector 302 can include one or more pins 318. The one or more pins 318 can include conductive elements to facilitate the transfer of power and / or data between the EVSE and an EV (not shown in the figure). The pins 318 can also include materials surrounding the conductive elements, such as plastic and / or any other type of non-conductive material. The charging connector 302 can also include a housing 319 surrounding the pins 318. The housing 319 can be configured in any number of different shapes depending on the type of the charging connector 102. Although the specific arrangement of the pins 318 and the housing 319 on the charging connector 302 indicates a CCS1 DC charging connector, any other type of charging connector can also be applicable.

[0051] The pins 318 and the housing 319 can be the main parts of the charging connector 302, which may be affected by physical abnormalities identified by the images captured by the image capture device 306. For example, cracks may form in the housing 319 and / or any of the pins 318, which may make it difficult to insert the charging connector 302 into the plug on the EV. Such cracks may also cause abnormal charging of the EV. For another example, debris may be stuck between any of the pins 318 within the housing 319. These are merely examples of physical abnormalities, and any other type of physical abnormality may also exist on the charging connector 302.

[0052] Figures 4A - 4B An example of an example harness 412 positioned on the locking mechanism 400 of an EVSE is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] The harness 412 includes a first set of connectors 430, which are associated with the locking mechanism and are used to track the current position of the control arm 420 of the locking mechanism. To achieve such position tracking of the control arm 420, a conductive element 432 (which may be the same as the third gear 222 shown in FIG. 2) can be provided on the third gear 422 of the locking mechanism 400. In one or more embodiments, the conductive element 432 can specifically be a copper double leaf spring, which can close an electrical circuit including the first set of connectors 430 when the third gear 422 is in a specific position.

[0054] The first set of connectors 430 can include two pairs of connectors (however, any other number of connectors can also be used). For example, the first connector 440 and the second connector 441 can form the first pair of connectors, while the third connector 443 and the fourth connector 444 can form the second pair of connectors. Each pair of connectors can include a normally open circuit, which can be closed when the two connectors forming the pair are both in contact with the conductive element 432. For example, Figure 4BAn example is shown where the conductive element 432 is in contact with the first pair of connectors but not with the second pair of connectors. In this scenario, a closed circuit including the first pair of connectors can be formed (however, the circuit including the second pair of connectors will remain open), which can cause the first pair of connectors to generate a signal, but the second pair of connectors will not generate a signal.

[0055] The first set of connectors 430 can be provided in a fixed position. Thus, when the third gear 422 rotates and actuates the control arm 420, the conductive element 432 moves along a fixed path and can contact the first pair of connectors and / or the second pair of connectors based on the current rotational position of the third gear 422. Therefore, the position of the locking mechanism can be determined based on the signals (or lack of signals) received from the respective connector pairs. This is because the conductive element 432 can contact a specific pair of connectors (or both connectors) only at certain points during the rotation of the locking mechanism.

[0056] Figures 4C - 4D A partial cross-sectional view of the gun receptacle 103 and the charging connector 402 shown in [reference] further illustrates this concept. Figure 4C An embodiment is shown where the same concept is applied to a locking mechanism including a "rack and pinion" driven sliding latch 460. In this embodiment, the rotation of the gear 455 causes the latch 460 to translate between an unlocked position (as shown in [reference]) and a locked position (as shown in [reference]). The conductive element 432 is provided in a fixed position on the latch 460 such that when the latch 460 moves from a first position (as shown in [reference]) to a second position (as shown in [reference]), the conductive element 432 will contact the first pair of connectors or the second pair of connectors. Figure 4C as shown in [reference] Figure 4D as shown in [reference] Figure 4C as shown in [reference] Figure 4D as shown in [reference]

[0057] Starting from [reference] Figure 4C the latch 460 is shown in the unlocked position where the latch 460 is not located above the latch 411 of the charging connector 402. This allows the latch 411 to disengage from the protrusion 405 of the gun receptacle housing 404 such that the charging connector 402 can be removed from the gun receptacle 403. In this position, the conductive element 432 is in contact with the second pair of connectors (e.g., the third connector 443 and the fourth connector 444). Thus, the circuit including the second pair of connectors is closed and a signal is provided from this circuit. Based on this signal, it can be determined that the latch 460 is in the unlocked position.

[0058] Moving on to Figure 4D, the locking tongue 460 is shown in the locked position, where the locking tongue 460 is located above the latch 411 of the charging connector 402. This prevents the latch 411 from disengaging from the protrusion 405 of the gun socket housing 404, thereby preventing the charging connector 402 from being removed from the gun socket 403. In this position, the conductive element 432 is in contact with the first pair of connectors (e.g., the first connector 440 and the second connector 441). Accordingly, the circuit including the first pair of connectors is closed, and a signal is provided from this circuit. Based on this signal, it can be determined that the locking tongue 460 is in the locked position.

[0059] Another exemplary embodiment of the locking indicator is also illustrated in the figure. For example, instead of providing the locking indicator only on the control arm (as shown in Figure 1B , Figures 2A - 2B etc.), two different indicators can be provided on the locking mechanism without using a mask (the unlocking indicator 462 and the locking indicator 464 on the locking tongue 460 are shown in the figure). Depending on the position of the locking mechanism, either the unlocking indicator 462 or the locking indicator 464 can be illuminated (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) can be provided behind each indicator).

[0060] Figures 4C - 4D Only another example of one type of locking mechanism that can be used (and a way to determine the position of the locking mechanism) is provided and is not intended to be limiting. Any other type of mechanism that is used to prevent the latch 411 from disengaging from the protrusion 405 can also be used. Additionally, any other type of locking indicator can be provided. For example, the locking mechanism can include a display screen that can provide any type of indication, such as an image or text indication of a lock or unlock icon, which can be selectively displayed based on the position of the locking mechanism.

[0061] Figure 5 Another exemplary gun socket 503 for an EVSE according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. This figure illustrates that a single gun socket 503 can be configured to receive more than one charging connector. For example, the gun socket 503 shown in the figure includes two locking mechanisms (locking mechanism 513 and locking mechanism 515) and two charging connectors inserted into the gun socket 503 (e.g., charging connector 502 and charging connector 540). Although only a gun socket 503 configured to receive two charging connectors is shown in the figure, the gun socket can also be configured to receive any other number of charging connectors.

[0062] The gun plug receptacle 503 can also be configured to individually lock and / or unlock any charging connector to the gun plug receptacle 503. For example, the figure illustrates that the lock indicator 514 is visible for the locking mechanism 513 associated with the side of the gun plug receptacle 503 into which the first charging connector 502 is inserted. Thus, the first charging connector 502 is indicated as being locked within the gun plug receptacle 503. However, the lock indicator associated with the locking mechanism 515 is not visible, indicating that the second charging connector 540 is not currently locked within the gun plug receptacle 503. This selective locking functionality of the gun plug receptacle 503 allows one charging connector to be locked within the gun plug receptacle 503 while still allowing the second charging connector 540 to be physically removed from the gun plug receptacle 503 for charging an electric vehicle. In this way, even if one charging connector is damaged and locked within the gun plug receptacle 503, the second charging connector can still be used.

[0063] Figure 6 Depicts example internal components of a gun plug receptacle in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, the figure shows the gun plug receptacle 603 without a housing that encloses the internal components of the gun plug receptacle 603. The figure also shows a perspective view that further illustrates the manner in which the locking mechanism locks the charging connector to the gun plug receptacle 603 based on actuation of the control arm.

[0064] Starting with an example of a locked charging connector 602, a locking mechanism 613 is shown where the control arm 620 is actuated to a position that prevents the charging connector 602 from being removed from the gun plug receptacle 603. As Figure 1A shown in the side view of, the charging connector 102 includes a tab 111 (shown as tab 611 in Figure 6 ). When the charging connector 602 is inserted into the gun plug receptacle 603, the flange of the tab 611 (shown as flange 109 in Figure 1A and shown as flange 609 in Figure 6 ) engages with a protrusion in the gun plug receptacle 603 (shown as protrusion 105 in Figure 1A but not shown in Figure 6 ). When the locking mechanism 613 is in the locked position, the control arm 620 is positioned above the tab 611. In this way, the tab 611 cannot disengage from the protrusion, and the charging connector 602 is forced to remain locked within the gun plug receptacle 603.

[0065] Returning to the example of the unlocked charging connector 640, the locking mechanism 615 is shown, where the control arm 621 is actuated to a position that allows the removal of the charging connector 640 from the gun holder 603. This is because in the unlocked position, the control arm 621 is actuated away from the tab 617 of the charging connector 640. Thus, when the user applies a force to pull the charging connector 640 out of the gun holder 603, the tab 617 is able to freely disengage from a protrusion (not shown in the figure) and be removed from the gun holder 603. To unlock the charging connector 602 from the gun holder 603, the control arm 620 can be actuated to a position where the control arm 620 is not directly above the tab 611. As mentioned herein, such actuation can be performed by providing a control signal to the motor 626, which can be connected to one or more controllers via the harness 612. Similarly, to lock the charging connector 640 in the gun holder 603, the control arm 621 can be actuated to a position directly above the tab 617.

[0066] Figures 7A - 7B Depicts an example gun holder housing 704 for an EVSE in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 7A Illustrates an example external view of the gun holder housing 704. The gun holder housing 704 can include any number of different types of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.). The gun holder housing 704 can be configured such that the gun holder housing 704 is resistant to environmental conditions and protects any internal components from environmental conditions. This is important because the EVSE may be provided in an outdoor environment that can be affected by conditions such as weather conditions and the like. The gun holder housing 704 can also include one or more first holes 715 through which a charging connector (not shown in the figure) can be inserted. The gun holder housing 704 can also include a second hole 707 through which a tab (e.g., tab 111) of the charging connector can be inserted. Although the figure only illustrates one hole for receiving a single charging connector, the gun holder housing 704 can similarly include any number of holes for receiving any number of charging connectors. The gun holder housing 704 can also include a groove 706 that is used to prevent rainwater runoff from entering the interior of the gun holder housing 704. Although the gun holder housing 704 illustrated in the figure includes a flat surface, any surface can be provided at an angle to enhance rainwater runoff.

[0068] Figure 7BAn internal example of the gun plug housing 704 is illustrated. In one or more embodiments, the interior may include a locking mechanism cover 710, one or more protrusions 705, one or more screw bosses (e.g., a first screw boss 712, a second screw boss 713, and / or any other screw bosses), and one or more gun plug housing holes 714. It should be noted that the specific configuration inside the gun plug housing 704 is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Figure 7B Some of these components illustrated in Figure 7C are further illustrated in the partial cross-section shown in

[0069] The locking mechanism cover 710 may be a structure provided within the gun plug housing 704 and configured to receive various components of the locking mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism cover 710 may include various cutouts to receive these components. The locking mechanism cover 710 may also include a first screw boss 712. The first screw boss 712 may be configured to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.) such that the locking mechanism cover 710 is fixed to the inner surface of the gun plug housing 704 as a sub-assembly. However, the locking mechanism cover 710 may also simply be provided as a permanent structure within the gun plug housing 704. Regarding Figure 9 the locking mechanism 910 in

[0070] provides additional details regarding the cutouts, the first screw boss 712, and other aspects of the locking mechanism cover 710. Figures 1A - 1B One or more protrusions 705 (which may be the same as protrusion 105) may be structures within the gun plug housing 704 and may be configured to engage a latch of the charging connector (e.g.,

[0071] the latch 111 shown in

[0072] which includes a flange 109 at the end of the latch). When the charging connector 12 is inserted into the gun plug, the flange engages the protrusion 705 of the gun plug.

[0073] Figures 7D - 7EDepicts a partial cross-sectional view of an example gun plug housing 704 in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, which shows the engagement of the charging connector latch 711 with the gun plug housing 704.

[0074] Starting from Figure 7D and proceeding, Figures 7A - 7C the gun plug housing 704 also shows a partial cross-sectional view of the charging connector 702. The charging connector 702 is shown as being inserted into the gun plug housing 704, where the latch 711 is inserted into the second hole 707. Figure 7E Continuing the insertion process of the latch 711 in Figure 1E which shows the latch 711 rotating upward over the protrusion 705 and ultimately engaging with the protrusion 705 (e.g., as shown in

[0075] Figure 8 Depicts an example image capture device 806 for an EVSE in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the image capture device 806 can include any suitable device (e.g., a camera and / or any other type of device) configured to capture an image of the charging connector when the charging connector is inserted into the gun plug. The image capture device 806 can include a housing 807, one or more lenses (e.g., a first lens 808, a second lens 810, and / or any other number of lenses), one or more lighting sources (e.g., a lighting source 812 and / or any other number of lighting sources), and one or more data and / or power connectors 814.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, one or more lenses can be capable of providing a high-resolution image of the face of the connector. In this way, the image can be analyzed to identify any physical anomalies associated with the charger connector. A first example of a physical anomaly can include a crack on a portion of the charger connector. A second example of a physical anomaly can include debris stuck inside the charging connector. A third example of a physical anomaly can include a bent conductor in the charging connector. These are merely illustrative examples of the types of physical anomalies that can be identified and are not intended to be limiting.

[0078] The image capture device 806 may include any number of lenses, depending on the number of charging connectors that a particular gun plug receptacle is configured to receive. For example, the image capture device 806 shown in the figure includes two lenses (lens 808 and lens 810). Thus, this particular image capture device 806 is configured to be included in a gun plug receptacle that is configured to receive two charging connectors. The first lens 808 can be pointed in the direction of the hole into which the first charging connector is inserted, such that the image capture device 806 can then use lens 808 to capture an image of the first charging connector. The second lens 810 can be pointed in the direction of the hole into which the second charging connector is inserted, such that the image capture device 806 can then use lens 810 to capture an image of the second charging connector.

[0079] One or more light sources 812 may be configured to provide illumination within the gun plug receptacle to allow for clearer image capture. The (s) light source(s) 812 may be configured to operate using any number of different wavelengths of light. For example, the (s) light source(s) 812 may emit visible light, infrared light, and / or light of any other wavelength. As a non-limiting example, the light source may include an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED). The image capture device 806 may also include a plurality of different light sources, each configured to emit light of a different wavelength, and / or may also be configured to emit light of different wavelengths from a single light source. In some examples, the (s) light source(s) 812 may include a projector such that the images captured via lens 808 or 810 can be analyzed to obtain depth information. In some examples, depth information may be obtained in other ways, such as using a stereoscopic image capture system.

[0080] One or more data and / or power connectors 814 may be provided to receive a cable for powering the image capture device 806. In some embodiments, the image capture device 806 may also be powered wirelessly, such as by inductive coupling or any other wireless power transfer method. One or more data and / or power connectors 814 may also allow for data transfer with the image capture device 806. For example, the image capture device 806 may transfer any captured images to a local or remote system for processing (e.g., Figure 12 the controller 1292 in ). The image capture device 806 may also receive signals, such as signals for performing one or more image captures. However, the logic may also be stored locally on the image capture device 806.

[0081] Similar to the gun plug housing 704 described in FIG. 7, the outer housing of the image capture device 806 and any lenses can be configured to prevent external conditions from affecting the internal components of the image capture device 806. The housing 704 can also include one or more holes 816. The one or more holes 816 can be configured to receive fasteners (e.g., threaded screws) to allow the image capture device 806 to be secured to the gun plug housing and / or a partition (not shown in the figure) of the EVSE. However, the image capture device 806 can also be removably mounted to the gun plug housing and / or the partition using any other method. A rubber gasket or similar material can also be used at this interface.

[0082] Figure 9 Depicts an example locking mechanism cover 910 according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The locking mechanism cover 910 can be the same as Figures 1A - 1B the locking mechanism cover 110 shown in Figures 3A - 3B the locking mechanism cover 310 shown in Figures 4A - 4B the locking mechanism cover 410 shown in Figure 5 the locking mechanism cover 510 shown in Figure 6 the locking mechanism cover 610 shown in

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism cover 910 can include at least one or more cuts (e.g., a first cut 914, a second cut 916, a third cut 920, a fourth cut 922, and / or any other number of cuts), one or more screw bosses (e.g., screw boss 918, screw boss 924, and / or any other screw boss), and / or one or more holes (e.g., one or more holes 912 and / or any other holes). The one or more holes 912 can be holes for receiving Figures 4A - 4B the first set of connectors 430 shown in

[0084] One or more cutouts may be provided to receive various components of the locking mechanism and / or any other components included within the gun receptacle. For example, a first cutout 914 may be provided to receive a control arm pivot. A second cutout 916 may be provided to receive an intermediate gear drive pivot. A third cutout 920 may be provided to receive one or more motors associated with the locking mechanism (e.g., motor 226 and / or any other motor described herein). A fourth cutout 922 may be provided to receive any shaft connected to a motor used to drive the locking mechanism (e.g., shaft 227 and / or any other shaft described herein).

[0085] One or more screw bosses may be provided on the locking mechanism cover 910 for receiving fasteners that secure the locking mechanism cover 910 to the gun receptacle, a partition, and / or any other structure described herein or elsewhere. However, the locking mechanism cover 910 may also be removably secured to the gun receptacle, a partition, and / or any other structure by any other suitable method.

[0086] Figure 10 An example wire harness 1012 is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the wire harness may represent Figures 1A - 1B the wire harness 112 in Figures 3A - 3B the wire harness 312 in Figures 4A - 4B the wire harness 412 in Figure 5 the wire harness 512 in Figure 6 the wire harness 612 in and / or any other wire harness described herein or elsewhere.

[0087] The wire harness 1012 may be connected to one or more controllers (not shown in the figures), which may be the same as the controllers 1291, 1292 in Figure 12 and / or any other controllers described herein or elsewhere. The wire harness 1012 may also be connected to multiple controllers. In this manner, the controllers may transmit signals and / or power to and / or receive signals and / or power from any component within the gun receptacle.

[0088] The wire harness 1012 may also include one or more connectors that may be connected to various portions of the internal components of the gun receptacle. For example, the wire harness 1012 may at least include a first set of connectors 1072, a second set of connectors 1074, a third set of connectors 1076, and / or a fourth set of connectors 1078. The wire harness 1012 may also include any other number of connectors. Additionally, although a particular set of connectors may be depicted in the figures as including a particular number of individual connectors, this is not intended to be limiting. For example, the figure shows that the first set of connectors 1072 includes four individual connectors; however, the first set of connectors 1072 may also include any other number of individual connectors.

[0089] The first set of connectors 1072 and the second set of connectors 1074 may be associated with two locking mechanisms included within the gun plug housing. For example, the harness 1012 may be the same as the harness 112 included within the gun plug 103, which includes two locking mechanisms associated with two independent charging connectors. Thus, the first set of connectors 1072 may be associated with the locking mechanism 113 associated with the first charging connector, while the second set of connectors 1074 may be associated with the locking mechanism 115 associated with the second charging connector. However, this is merely exemplary, and the harness 1012 may similarly include any number of different sets of connectors that may be associated with any number of locking mechanisms depending on the configuration of the particular gun plug.

[0090] As Figures 4A - 4B shown, the first set of connectors 1072 may be used to determine the current position of the control arm associated with the first locking mechanism, and the second set of connectors 1074 may be used to determine the current position of the control arm associated with the second locking mechanism (e.g., as described in connection with Figures 4A - 4D ).

[0091] The third set of connectors 1076 and the fourth set of connectors 1078 may be connected to a motor (e.g., the motor 226 in Figures 2A - 2B ) that is used to actuate the locking mechanism (e.g., the third set of connectors 1076 may be used to provide a signal to drive a first motor to actuate the control arm of the first locking mechanism, and the fourth set of connectors 1078 may be used to provide a signal to drive a second motor to actuate the control arm of the second locking mechanism. Similar to the first set of connectors 1072 and the second set of connectors 1074, any other number of connectors may be present to connect any motor of the locking mechanism to the controller.

[0092] Figure 11 Depicted is an example separator 1180 in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The separator 1180 may be the same as the separator 180 shown in Figures 1A - 1B , the separator 380 shown in Figures 3A - 3B , the separator 580 shown in Figure 5 , the separator 680 shown in Figure 6 , and / or any other separator described and / or depicted herein.

[0093] The separator 1180 may be part of an EVSE to which a gun plug (not shown in the figures) is mounted. The separator 1180 may include one or more holes for various purposes. For example, the separator 1180 may include a first set of holes 1182, a second set of holes 1184, a third set of holes 1185, a fourth set of holes 1186, and / or any other number of holes.

[0094] The first set of holes 1182 may include through-holes that are configured to receive fasteners for mounting the gun receptacle to the partition 1180. The second set of holes 1184 may include through-holes that are configured to receive fasteners for mounting the image processing device to the partition 1180. The third set of holes 1185 may be through-holes that are configured to allow any electrical connections between the internal components of the gun receptacle and a controller located behind the partition 1180 within the EVSE to pass through the partition 1180. For example, these electrical connections may include at least power and data connections for the image processing device and / or any other electrical connections. The fourth set of holes 1186 may be through-holes that are configured to allow a wire harness associated with any locking mechanism included within the gun receptacle to pass through the partition 1180 (e.g., Figure 10 the wire harness 1012 shown in

[0095] Note that while the figures illustrate a specific number of holes and a specific arrangement of holes on the partition 1180, this is not intended to be limiting in any way. Any holes may be provided at any other location on the partition 1180. Additionally, any other number of holes may be used. As a first example, the first set of holes 1182 may include fewer than or more than six holes. As a second example, a single hole may be used to route all electrical connections passing through the partition 1180 instead of using separate third holes 1184 and fourth holes 1186.

[0096] Figure 12 An example EVSE system 1200 is depicted in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the EVSE system 1200 may include a gun receptacle 1203 (which may be the same as the gun receptacle 103 and / or any other gun receptacle described herein), which may be mounted to a partition 1281 (which may be the same as the partition 1180 and / or any other partition described herein), the partition separating the body 1280 of the EVSE system 1200 from the gun receptacle 1203.

[0097] The body 1280 may include any processing component and power component of the EVSE system 1200. For example, the body 1280 may at least include a first controller 1291 and a second controller 1292. In one or more embodiments, the body 1280 may include only one controller, which may be used to perform all processing that would otherwise be performed separately by the first controller 1291 and the second controller 1292. The body 1280 may also include any number of controllers. In addition, any controller may include any element of the computing device 1400, such as one or more processors, memory, and the like. Further, although the first controller 1291 and the second controller 1292 are shown as being provided within the body 1280, the first controller 1291 and / or the second controller 1292 (and / or any other controller or element shown as being included in the body 1280) may similarly be provided in the gun holder 1203. Any controller may also be provided at any other location, such as outside the EVSE system 1200.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the first controller 1291 may be configured to perform functions associated with the locking mechanism 1213. The first controller 1291 may receive one or more inputs, including at least a first signal 1250, a second signal 1251, and / or a third signal 1252 (as well as any other number of inputs).

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the first signal 1250 may be a signal indicating the position of the control arm 1220 of the locking mechanism 1213. For example, the first signal 1250 may be a signal generated by a first set of connectors 1072 and / or a second set of connectors 1074 associated with the wire harness 1012 shown in Figure 10 . The controller 1291 may use the first signal 1250 to determine whether the charging connector 1202 has identified a physical anomaly. For example, if a signal indicating that the control arm 1220 is in the locked position is received, then the first controller 1291 may determine that there is a physical anomaly associated with the charging connector 1202. However, as described below, such determination may also be made based on the image data provided by the image capture device 1206 to the second controller 1292. In some embodiments, such determination may be made based on a combination of the first signal 1250 and the image data.

[0100] The first signal 1250 may also be used for other purposes, such as troubleshooting. For example, the first signal 1250 may be used for troubleshooting to identify instances of faults in the locking mechanism 1213 (e.g., determining whether the locking mechanism is not locked and / or unlocked correctly). The first signal 1250 may also be used for any other purpose.

[0101] The second signal 1251 can be a signal from the second controller 1292 indicating a physical anomaly in the identification of the charging connector 1202. For example, as a result of identifying a physical anomaly associated with the charging connector 1202 based on the image data captured by the image capture device 1206, the second controller 1292 can output the second signal 1251 to the first controller 1291 (however, as previously mentioned, a single controller can also be used to replace the combination of the first controller 1291 and the second controller 1292). Based on receiving the second signal 1251, the first controller 1291 can output a fourth signal 1253. The fourth signal 1253 can be a signal that causes the motor of the locking mechanism 1213 (not shown in the figure) to actuate the control arm 1220 between two positions. In particular, the fourth signal 1253 can be transmitted to the motor, causing the motor to actuate the control arm 1220 from the position where the charging connector 1202 can be removed from the gun holder 1203 to the position where the charging connector 1202 is locked within the gun holder 1203. That is, the control arm 1220 is actuated to lock the charging connector 1202 in place and prevent the charging connector 1202 from being removed before maintenance is performed.

[0102] The third signal 1252 can be a signal indicating that the maintenance of the charging connector 1202 has been completed. The third signal 1252 can be received from an external system 1293. For example, the external system 1293 can include a remote server, a device, etc. In one or more embodiments, the external system 1293 can be operated by a user. The user can be a technician (or any other user) performing maintenance on the charging connector, and then provide an indication that the maintenance has been completed through the external system 1293. After receiving the third signal 1252, the first controller 1291 can output a fifth signal 1254 to the motor of the locking mechanism 1213. The fifth signal 1254 can be a signal that causes the motor of the locking mechanism 1213 to actuate the control arm 1220 from the position where the charging connector 1202 is locked in the gun holder 1203 to the position where the charging connector 1202 can be freely removed from the gun holder 1203. The locking mechanism 1213 can also actuate the control arm 1220 to the unlocked position based on any other condition. For example, based on determining that a technician (or a mobile device associated with the technician, such as a smartphone and / or any other type of device) is located at the EVSE to perform maintenance on the charging connector 1202. As a second example, the control arm 1220 can be actuated to the unlocked position based on an unlock signal received from an authorized device. For example, the technician can provide an input to an application on the mobile device, where the input causes the control arm 1220 to actuate, thereby unlocking the charging connector from the gun holder. These are only two additional examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0103] The first controller 1291 can also be configured to output a sixth signal 1255 when determining that the locking mechanism 1213 is experiencing a fault condition. For example, the sixth signal 1255 can be output to an external system 1293. A user (e.g., a technician or any other user) can be able to see an indication that the locking mechanism 1213 is experiencing a fault condition (e.g., the locking mechanism 1213 is not operating properly and cannot be actuated between the locked position and the unlocked position). Then, the user can go to the location where the EVSE is located to perform maintenance on the locking mechanism 1213.

[0104] The second controller 1292 can be configured to perform functions associated with the image capture device 1206. For example, the second controller 1292 can generally be configured to supply power and control signals to the image capture device 1206. The second controller 1292 can also be configured to receive an image from the image capture device 1206 and analyze the received image to identify a physical anomaly associated with the charging connector 1202. Any suitable image processing technique can be used to perform this image analysis. In some instances, an artificial intelligence model, a machine learning model, etc. can be used to perform the image analysis.

[0105] Specifically, the second controller 1202 can receive a seventh signal 1256 and output an eighth signal 1257, a ninth signal 1258, and a tenth signal 1259. The seventh signal 1256 can be the power supplied to the image capture device 1206. The eighth signal 1257 can be the image data received from the image processing device 1206. For example, the image data can include an image captured by the image capture device 1206 of the charging connector 1202. The tenth signal 1259 can be an alarm signal supplied to an alarm component of the EVSE system 1200. For example, the EVSE can include one or more speakers 1294, which can emit an audible alarm indicating that a physical anomaly of the charging connector has been detected. The audible alarm may also be emitted based on other conditions, such as improper use of the charging connector or failure to return the charging connector to the gun holder 1203 after use. The EVSE system 1200 can also provide any alarm in any other form (e.g., a visual alarm, a tactile alarm, and / or any other type of alarm).

[0106] The gun receptacle 1203 can be part of an EVSE and is used to receive the charging connector 1202 when the charging connector 1202 is not in use and while charging an electric vehicle. The charging connector 1202 can include a cable 1240 that connects the charging connector 1202 to a power source within the body 1280 of the EVSE system 1200. The gun receptacle 1203 can at least include a locking mechanism 1213 and an image capture device 1206. The gun receptacle 1203 can also be configured to receive one or more charging connectors 1202. The gun receptacle 1203 can also include any other components associated with any gun receptacle described herein or elsewhere. Additionally, in some embodiments, some or all (or portions of components) of the components shown as being included in the gun receptacle 1203 can also be included in the body 1280 of the EVSE system 1200.

[0107] Figure 13 An example process 1300 in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0108] At block 1302 of process 1300, computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of a device (such as controller 1291, controller 1292, computing device 1400, and / or any other device) can be executed to identify a physical anomaly associated with a first charging connector based on first image data received from an image capture device, where the image capture device and the first charging connector are associated with an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) gun receptacle. At block 1304 of the processor process, computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the device can be executed to cause a first signal to be sent to actuate a first locking mechanism of the EVSE gun receptacle from a first position to a second position based on identifying the physical anomaly, where the first locking mechanism, when in the second position, prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the EVSE gun receptacle. At block 1306 of the processor process, computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the device can be executed to determine that the physical anomaly no longer exists based on second image data received from the image capture device. At block 1308 of the processor process, computer-executable instructions stored in the memory of the device can be executed to cause a second signal to be sent to actuate the first locking mechanism from the second position to the first position based on determining that the physical anomaly no longer exists, where the first locking mechanism, when in the first position, prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the EVSE gun receptacle.

[0109] Figure 1- Figure 12 One or more operations in the method, process, or use case of - may have been described above as being performed by a user device, or more specifically, by one or more program modules, applications, etc. executing on the device. However, it should be understood that Figure 1- Figure 12Any operations in the method, process, or use case can be performed at least in part in a distributed manner by one or more other devices, or more specifically, by one or more program modules, applications, etc. executing on these devices. Additionally, it should be understood that the processing performed in response to the execution of computer-executable instructions provided as part of an application, program module, etc. can be described interchangeably herein as being performed by the application or program module itself, or by the device executing the application, program module, etc. Although the operations of the method, process, or use case in FIGS. 1- Figure 12 can be described in the context of an illustrative device, it should be understood that these operations can be implemented in conjunction with many other device configurations.

[0110] Figure 14 FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative computing device 1400 in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. Computing device 1400 can include any suitable computing device capable of receiving and / or generating data, including but not limited to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, wearable devices, etc.; desktop computers; laptop computers; content streaming devices; set-top boxes; scanning devices, etc. Computing device 1400 can correspond to the illustrative device configuration of the device in FIGS. 1- Figure 13 6.

[0111] Computing device 1400 can be configured to communicate with one or more servers, search engines, user devices, etc. via one or more networks. In some embodiments, a single remote server or a group of remote servers can be configured to perform more than one type of content rating and / or machine learning functionality.

[0112] The example network(s) can include but are not limited to any one or more different types of communication networks, such as, for example, a wired network, a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., a frame relay network), a wireless network, a cellular network, a telephone network (e.g., the public switched telephone network), or any other suitable private or public packet-switched or circuit-switched network. Additionally, such network(s) can have any suitable communication range associated therewith and can include, for example, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or a personal area network (PAN). Additionally, such network(s) can also include communication links and associated network devices (e.g., link layer switches, routers, etc.) for transmitting network traffic over any suitable type of medium, including but not limited to coaxial cable, twisted pair (e.g., twisted copper wire), fiber optic, hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) medium, microwave medium, radio frequency communication medium, satellite communication medium, or any combination thereof.

[0113] In an illustrative configuration, computing device 1400 may include one or more processors ((multiple) processors) 1402, one or more memory devices 1404 (collectively referred to herein as memory 1404), one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 1406, one or more network interfaces 1408, one or more sensors or sensor interfaces 1410, one or more transceivers 1412, one or more optional speakers 1414, one or more optional microphones 1416, and data storage 1420. Computing device 1400 may also include one or more buses 1418 that functionally couple the various components of computing device 1400. Computing device 1400 may also include one or more antennas 1434, which may include, but are not limited to, cellular antennas for transmitting to or receiving from a cellular network infrastructure, antennas for transmitting to or receiving Wi-Fi signals from an access point (AP), global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antennas for receiving GNSS signals from GNSS satellites, Bluetooth antennas for transmitting or receiving Bluetooth signals, near field communication (NFC) antennas for transmitting or receiving NFC signals, etc. These different components will be described in more detail below.

[0114] (Multiple) buses 1418 may include at least one of a system bus, a memory bus, an address bus, or a message bus, and may permit the exchange of information (e.g., data (including computer-executable code), signaling, etc.) between the various components of computing device 1400. (Multiple) buses 1418 may include, but are not limited to, a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, etc. (Multiple) buses 1418 may be associated with any suitable bus architecture, including but not limited to Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), Enhanced ISA (EISA), Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) architecture, Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) architecture, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture, PCI-Express architecture, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) architecture, Universal Serial Bus (USB) architecture, etc.

[0115] The memory 1404 of the computing device 1400 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) (memory that maintains its state while powered), and / or non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), etc. (memory that maintains its state even when not powered). The term "persistent data storage device" as used herein may include non-volatile memory. In some example embodiments, volatile memory may enable faster read / write access than non-volatile memory. However, in some other example embodiments, certain types of non-volatile memory (e.g., FRAM) may enable faster read / write access than certain types of volatile memory.

[0116] In various implementations, the memory 1404 may include a variety of different types of memory, such as various types of static random access memory (SRAM), various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), various types of non-alterable ROM, and / or writable variants of ROM, such as electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. The memory 1404 may include main memory as well as various forms of cache memory, such as (one or more) instruction caches, (one or more) data caches, (one or more) translation lookaside buffers (TLBs), etc. Additionally, a cache (e.g., a data cache) may be a multi-level cache organized as one or more cache levels (L1, L2, etc.).

[0117] The data storage device 1420 may include removable storage devices and / or non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to magnetic storage devices, optical disc storage devices, and / or tape storage devices. The data storage device 1420 may provide non-volatile storage of computer-executable instructions and other data. The memory 1404 and the data storage device 1420 (removable and / or non-removable) are instances of computer-readable storage media (CRSM) as the term is used herein.

[0118] The data storage device 1420 may store computer-executable code, instructions, etc. that may be loaded into the memory 1404 and executed by the (one or more) processors 1402 to cause the (one or more) processors 1402 to perform or initiate various operations. The data storage device 1420 may also store data that may be copied into the memory 1404 for use by the (one or more) processors 1402 during the execution of computer-executable instructions. Additionally, output data generated as a result of the (one or more) processors 1402 executing computer-executable instructions may initially be stored in the memory 1404 and may ultimately be copied to the data storage device 1420 for non-volatile storage.

[0119] More particularly, the data storage device 1420 may store one or more operating systems (O / S) 1422; one or more database management systems (DBMS) 1424; and one or more program modules, applications, engines, computer-executable code, scripts, etc., such as, for example, one or more charging connector anomaly detection modules 1426. Some or all of these (multiple) modules may be (multiple) sub-modules. Any component depicted as being stored in the data storage device 1420 may include any combination of software, firmware, and / or hardware. The software and / or firmware may include computer-executable code, instructions, etc., which may be loaded into the memory 1404 to be executed by one or more of the (multiple) processors 1402. Any component depicted as being stored in the data storage device 1420 may support the functionality described with respect to the corresponding component named earlier in this disclosure.

[0120] The data storage device 1420 may also store various types of data utilized by the components of the computing device 1400. Any data stored in the data storage device 1420 may be loaded into the memory 1404 for use by the (multiple) processors 1402 when executing computer-executable code. Additionally, any data depicted as being stored in the data storage device 1420 may potentially be stored in one or more data repositories and may be accessed via the DBMS 1424 and loaded into the memory 1404 for use by the (multiple) processors 1402 when executing computer-executable code. The (multiple) data repositories may include, but are not limited to, databases (e.g., relational databases, object-oriented databases, etc.), file systems, flat files, distributed data repositories (where data is stored on more than one node of a computer network), peer-to-peer network data repositories, and the like. In Figure 14 this regard, the (multiple) data repositories may include, for example, databases of purchase history information, user action information, user profile information, link search queries and user actions, and other information.

[0121] (Multiple) processors 1402 can be configured to access memory 1404 and execute computer-executable instructions loaded therein. For example, (multiple) processors 1402 can be configured to execute computer-executable instructions of various program modules, applications, engines, etc. of computing device 1400 to cause or facilitate the execution of various operations in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. (Multiple) processors 1402 can include any suitable processing unit that is capable of accepting data as input, processing the input data according to stored computer-executable instructions, and generating output data. (Multiple) processors 1402 can include any type of suitable processing unit, including but not limited to a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) microprocessor, a complex instruction set computer (CISC) microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc. In addition, (multiple) processors 1402 can have any suitable microarchitecture design that includes any number of constituent components, such as, for example, registers, multiplexers, arithmetic logic units, cache controllers for controlling read / write operations to cache memory, branch predictors, etc. The microarchitecture design of (multiple) processors 1402 can be capable of supporting various instruction sets.

[0122] Now referring to the functionality supported by the (multiple) various program modules depicted in Figure 14 the (multiple) charging connector anomaly detection module 1426 can include computer-executable instructions, code, etc. that, in response to execution by one or more processors 1402, can perform functions including but not limited to performing any functionality associated with the dynamic product summary images described herein, etc. (e.g., processing image data to identify physical anomalies associated with a charging connector, providing an indication of the physical anomaly, causing a signal to be sent to actuating a locking mechanism to lock or unlock the charging connector, and / or any other functionality described herein or elsewhere).

[0123] Now referring to other illustrative components depicted as being stored in the data storage device 1420, the O / S 1422 can be loaded from the data storage device 1420 into the memory 1404 and can provide an interface between other application software executing on the computing device 1400 and the hardware resources of the computing device 1400. More specifically, the O / S 1422 can include a set of computer-executable instructions for managing the hardware resources of the computing device 1400 and providing general services to other applications (e.g., managing memory allocation among various applications). In certain example embodiments, the O / S 1422 can control the execution of other program modules to dynamically enhance a character for content rendering. The O / S 1422 can include any currently known or future-developed operating system, including but not limited to any server operating system, any mainframe operating system, or any other proprietary or non-proprietary operating system.

[0124] The DBMS 1424 can be loaded into the memory 1404 and can support functionality for accessing, retrieving, storing, and / or manipulating data stored in the memory 1404 and / or data stored in the data storage device 1420. The DBMS 1424 can use various database models (e.g., relational model, object model, etc.) and can support various query languages. The DBMS 1424 can access data represented and stored in any suitable data repository in one or more data schemas, including but not limited to databases (e.g., relational databases, object-oriented databases, etc.), file systems, flat files, distributed data repositories (where data is stored on more than one node of a computer network), peer-to-peer network data repositories, and so on. In those example embodiments where the computing device 1400 is a mobile device, the DBMS 1424 can be any suitable lightweight DBMS optimized for performance on a mobile device.

[0125] Now referring to other illustrative components of the computing device 1400, the input / output (I / O) interface(s) 1406 can facilitate the computing device 1400 receiving input information from one or more I / O devices and outputting information from the computing device 1400 to one or more I / O devices. The I / O devices can include any one of a variety of components, such as a display or screen having a touch surface or touch screen; an audio output device for generating sound, such as a speaker; an audio capture device, such as a microphone; an image and / or video capture device, such as a camera; a tactile unit; and so on. Any one of these components can be integrated into the computing device 1400 or can be standalone. The I / O devices can also include, for example, any number of peripheral devices, such as data storage devices, printing devices, and so on.

[0126] (Multiple) I / O interfaces 1406 may also include interfaces for connection to external peripheral devices, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, Thunderbolt, Ethernet ports, or other connection protocols that may be connected to one or more networks. (Multiple) I / O interfaces 1406 may also include a connection to one or more antennas 1434 to connect to one or more networks via a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (such as Wi-Fi) radio, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and / or a wireless network radio (such as a radio capable of communicating with a wireless communication network (such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, WiMAX network, 3G network, ZigBee network, etc.)).

[0127] Computing device 1400 may also include one or more network interfaces 1408 through which computing device 1400 may communicate with any one of a variety of other systems, platforms, networks, devices, etc. (Multiple) network interfaces 1408 may communicate with one or more wireless routers, one or more host servers, one or more web servers, etc. via one or more networks.

[0128] (Multiple) antennas 1434 may include any suitable type of antenna, e.g., depending on the communication protocol used to transmit or receive signals via (multiple) antennas 1434. Non-limiting examples of suitable antennas may include directional antennas, non-directional antennas, dipole antennas, folded dipole antennas, patch antennas, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas, etc. (Multiple) antennas 1434 may be communicatively coupled to one or more transceivers 1412 or radio components to transmit signals to or receive signals from them.

[0129] As previously described, (multiple) antennas 1434 may include cellular antennas configured to transmit or receive signals according to established standards and protocols, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 3G standards (e.g., Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), CDMA2000, etc.), 4G standards (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, etc.), direct satellite communication, etc.

[0130] (Multiple) antennas 1434 may additionally or alternatively include a Wi-Fi antenna configured to transmit or receive signals according to established standards and protocols such as the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, including via a 2.4 GHz channel (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n), a 5 GHz channel (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac), or a 60 GHz channel (e.g., 802.11ad). In an alternative exemplary embodiment, (multiple) antennas 1434 may be configured to transmit or receive radio frequency signals within any suitable frequency range that forms part of the unlicensed portion of the radio spectrum.

[0131] (Multiple) antennas 1434 may additionally or alternatively include a GNSS antenna configured to receive GNSS signals carrying time-position information from three or more GNSS satellites in order to triangulate a position therefrom. Such a GNSS antenna may be configured to receive GNSS signals from any current or planned GNSS, such as, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS), the GLONASS system, the Compass Navigation System, the Galileo System, or the Indian Regional Navigation System.

[0132] (Multiple) transceivers 1412 may include any suitable radio components for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals (in cooperation with (multiple) antennas 1434) within a bandwidth and / or channel corresponding to the communication protocol utilized by computing device 1400 to communicate with other devices. (Multiple) transceivers 1412 may include hardware, software, and / or firmware for modulating, transmitting, or receiving communication signals (potentially in cooperation with any of the (multiple) antennas 1434) according to any of the communication protocols discussed above, including but not limited to one or more Wi-Fi and / or Wi-Fi Direct protocols (standardized by the IEEE 802.11 standards), one or more non-Wi-Fi protocols, or one or more cellular communication protocols or standards. (Multiple) transceivers 1412 may also include hardware, firmware, or software for receiving GNSS signals. (Multiple) transceivers 1412 may include any known receivers and basebands suitable for communicating via the communication protocol utilized by computing device 1400. (Multiple) transceivers 1412 may also include a low noise amplifier (LNA), additional signal amplifiers, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter, one or more buffers, a digital baseband, and the like.

[0133] (Multiple) sensors / (multiple) sensor interfaces 1410 may include or may be capable of interfacing with any suitable type of sensing device, such as, for example, inertial sensors, force sensors, thermal sensors, etc. Example types of inertial sensors may include accelerometers (e.g., MEMS-based accelerometers), gyroscopes, etc.

[0134] (Multiple) optional speakers 1414 may be any device configured to generate audible sound. (Multiple) optional microphones 1416 may be any device configured to receive analog sound input or voice data.

[0135] It should be understood that Figure 14 the program modules, applications, computer-executable instructions, code, etc. depicted as being stored in data storage device 1420 are merely illustrative and not exhaustive, and the processing described as being supported by any particular module may alternatively be distributed among multiple modules or performed by different modules. Additionally, various (multiple) program modules, (multiple) scripts, (multiple) plugins, (multiple) application programming interfaces ((multiple) APIs), or any other suitable computer-executable code may be provided, which are locally hosted on computing device 1400 and / or hosted on (multiple) other computing devices accessible via one or more networks to support Figure 14 the functionality and / or other or alternative functionality provided by the (multiple) program modules, applications, or computer-executable code depicted in Figure 14 the processing supported by the collection of (multiple) program modules depicted in Figure 14 may be performed by fewer or more (multiple) modules, or the functionality described as being supported by any particular module may be at least partially supported by other modules. Additionally, the (multiple) program modules that support the functionality described herein may form part of one or more applications that may be executed on any number of systems or devices according to any suitable computing model (such as, for example, the client-server model, the peer-to-peer model, etc.). Additionally, any functionality described as being supported by Figure 14 any of the (multiple) program modules depicted in

[0136] It should also be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, computing device 1400 may include alternative and / or additional hardware, software, or firmware components in addition to those described or depicted. More particularly, it should be understood that the software, firmware, or hardware components depicted as forming part of computing device 1400 are merely illustrative, and in various embodiments, some components may be absent or additional components may be provided. Although various illustrative program modules have been depicted and described as (a) software module(s) stored in data storage device 1420, it should be understood that the functionality described as being supported by the program modules may be implemented by any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. It should also be understood that in various embodiments, each of the (a) module(s) mentioned above may represent a logical partitioning of the supported functionality. This logical partitioning is depicted for ease of explaining the functionality and may not represent the structure of the software, hardware, and / or firmware for implementing the functionality. Thus, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the functionality described as being provided by a particular module may be provided at least in part by one or more other modules. Additionally, in certain embodiments, one or more of the (a) module(s) depicted may be absent, while in other embodiments, (a) additional module(s) not depicted may be present and may support additional functionality and / or at least a portion of the functionality described. Further, although certain modules may be depicted and described as (a) submodule(s) of another module, in certain embodiments, such (a) module(s) may be provided as (a) standalone module(s) or (a) submodule(s) of (a) other module(s).

[0137] The (a) program module(s), application(s), etc. disclosed herein may include one or more software components, such as software objects, methods, data structures, etc. Each such software component may include computer-executable instructions that, upon execution, cause at least a portion of the functionality described herein (e.g., one or more operations of the illustrative methods described herein) to be performed.

[0138] The software components may be encoded in any of a variety of programming languages. Illustrative programming languages may be low-level programming languages, such as assembly languages associated with a particular hardware architecture and / or operating system platform. Software components including assembly language instructions may need to be converted to executable machine code by an assembler before being executed by the hardware architecture and / or platform.

[0139] Another example programming language may be a high-level programming language that may be portable across multiple architectures. Software components including high-level programming language instructions may need to be converted to an intermediate representation by an interpreter or compiler before execution.

[0140] Other examples of programming languages include, but are not limited to, macro languages, shell or command languages, job control languages, scripting languages, database query or search languages, or report writing languages. In one or more example embodiments, a software component including instructions of one of the above examples of programming languages may be directly executed by an operating system or other software component without first being converted into another form.

[0141] Software components may be stored as files or other data storage structures. Software components that are similar in type or functionally related may be stored together, such as, for example, stored in a particular directory, folder, or library. Software components may be static (e.g., pre-established or fixed) or dynamic (e.g., created or modified at execution time).

[0142] Software components may call other software components or be called by other software components through any of a variety of mechanisms. The software components being called or doing the calling may include other custom-developed application software, operating system functionality (e.g., device drivers, data storage (e.g., file management) routines, other general routines and services, etc.), or third-party software components (e.g., middleware, encryption or other security software, database management software, file transfer or other network communication software, mathematical or statistical software, image processing software, and format conversion software).

[0143] Software components associated with a particular solution or system may reside and execute on a single platform or may be distributed across multiple platforms. The multiple platforms may be associated with more than one hardware vendor, underlying chip technology, or operating system. Additionally, software components associated with a particular solution or system may initially be written in one or more programming languages, but may call software components written in another programming language.

[0144] Computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto a special-purpose computer or other particular machine, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine such that execution of the instructions on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus causes one or more of the functions or operations specified in the flowchart to be performed. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM) that, when executed, may cause a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce a manufacture including an instruction component that implements one or more of the functions or operations specified in the flowchart. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented process.

[0145] Other types of CRSM that may be present in any of the devices described herein include, but are not limited to: programmable random access memory (PRAM), SRAM, DRAM, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other storage technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store information and be accessed. Any combination of the foregoing is also included within the scope of CRSM. Alternatively, computer-readable communication medium (CRCM) may include computer-readable instructions, (multiple) program modules, or other data transmitted within a data signal such as a carrier wave or other transmission. However, CRSM as used herein does not include CRCM.

[0146] Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. On the contrary, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise understood within the context, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments can include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include these features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are necessary for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in a particular embodiment or are performed in any particular embodiment (whether or not user input or prompting is required).

[0147] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in accordance with one or more of the following:

[0148] Embodiment 1 may include an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system that includes: a gun plug receptacle that includes: a first hole configured to receive a first charging connector for an electric vehicle; a first locking mechanism; and an image capture device; at least one memory that stores computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to: identify a physical anomaly associated with the first charging connector based on first image data received from the image capture device; and cause a first signal to be sent to actuate the first locking mechanism from a first position to a second position based on identifying the physical anomaly, wherein the first locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the gun plug receptacle when in the second position.

[0149] Embodiment 2 may include Embodiment 1, wherein one or more processors are further configured to execute computer-executable instructions to: receive a signal indicating a request to unlock a first charging connector from a gun holder; and cause a second signal to be sent to actuate a first locking mechanism from a second position to a first position, wherein the first locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the gun holder when in the first position.

[0150] Embodiment 3 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the first locking mechanism further includes a locking indicator, wherein the gun holder further includes a shielding element, wherein the locking indicator is visible when the first locking mechanism is in the first position, and the locking indicator is hidden by the shielding element when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

[0151] Embodiment 4 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the gun holder further includes a protrusion, wherein the first charging connector further includes a latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the protrusion, and wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to prevent the latch from disengaging from the protrusion when in the second position.

[0152] Embodiment 5 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the gun holder further includes a wire harness, the wire harness including one or more connectors, wherein the one or more connectors are configured to send a first signal when the first locking mechanism is in the first position and a second signal when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

[0153] Embodiment 6 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the system further includes a partition, and the gun holder is mounted to the partition.

[0154] Embodiment 7 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, further including a second hole configured to receive a second charging connector and a second locking mechanism.

[0155] Embodiment 8 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein one or more processors are further configured to execute computer-executable instructions to: use first image data to identify a first target icon located on the first charging connector; and determine, based on the first target icon, that a physical anomaly is associated with the first charging connector rather than the second charging connector.

[0156] Embodiment 9 may include an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) device, including: a gun holder configured to receive a first charging connector for an electric vehicle; a first locking mechanism configured to be actuated from a first position to a second position, wherein the first locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the gun holder when in the second position; and an image capture device configured to capture image data of the first charging connector.

[0157] Example 10 may include Example 9, wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to be actuated from a first position to a second position based on an indication of a physical anomaly associated with the first charging connector.

[0158] Example 11 may include any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein the physical anomaly is identified based on image data of the first charging connector.

[0159] Example 12 may include any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the first locking mechanism includes a motor, one or more gears, and a control arm.

[0160] Example 13 may include any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the control arm further includes a locking indicator, and the gun socket further includes a shielding element, wherein the locking indicator is visible when the first locking mechanism is in the first position, and the locking indicator is hidden behind the shielding element when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

[0161] Example 14 may include any one of Examples 9 to 13, wherein the gun socket further includes a protrusion, and the first charging connector further includes a latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the protrusion, and the first locking mechanism is configured to prevent the latch from disengaging from the protrusion when in the second position.

[0162] Example 15 may include any one of Examples 9 to 14, wherein the gun socket further includes a wire harness, the wire harness includes one or more connectors, and the one or more connectors are configured to send a first signal when the first locking mechanism is in the first position and a second signal when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

[0163] Example 16 may include any one of Examples 9 to 15, and further includes a second hole configured to receive a second charging connector and a second locking mechanism.

[0164] Embodiment 17 may include an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system, the system comprising: a charging connector gun seat, the charging connector gun seat including: a first hole configured to receive a first charging connector for an electric vehicle; a locking mechanism including a motor, one or more gears, and a control arm; and an image capture device; at least one memory storing computer-executable instructions; and one or more processors configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to: identify a physical anomaly associated with the first charging connector based on first image data received from the image capture device, where the physical anomaly includes at least one of the following: physical damage to the first charging connector and debris stuck in the first charging connector; and based on identifying the physical anomaly, cause a first signal to be sent to actuate the control arm of the locking mechanism from a first position to a second position, where the locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the charging connector gun seat when the control arm is in the second position; determine that the physical anomaly no longer exists based on second image data received from the image capture device; and based on determining that the physical anomaly no longer exists, cause a second signal to be sent to actuate the locking mechanism from the second position to the first position, where the locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the charging connector gun seat when in the first position.

[0165] Embodiment 18 may include Embodiment 17, where the control arm further includes a locking indicator, where the charging connector gun seat further includes a shielding element, where the locking indicator is visible when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and where the locking indicator is hidden behind the shielding element when the locking mechanism is in the second position.

[0166] Embodiment 19 may include any one of Embodiments 17 to 18, where the charging connector gun seat further includes a protrusion, where the first charging connector further includes a latch, where the latch is configured to engage with the protrusion, and where the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the latch from disengaging from the protrusion when in the second position.

[0167] Embodiment 20 may include any one of Embodiments 17 to 19, where the charging connector gun seat further includes a wire harness including one or more connectors, where the one or more connectors are configured to send a first signal when the locking mechanism is in the first position and a second signal when the locking mechanism is in the second position.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system, comprising: A charging gun socket, the charging gun socket comprising: A first hole configured to receive a first charging connector for an electric vehicle; A first locking mechanism; and An image capture device; At least one memory storing computer-executable instructions; and One or more processors configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to: Identify a physical abnormality associated with the first charging connector based on first image data received from the image capture device; and Based on identifying the physical abnormality, cause a first signal to be sent to actuate the first locking mechanism from a first position to a second position, wherein the first locking mechanism, when in the second position, prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the charging gun socket.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: Receive a signal indicating a request to unlock the first charging connector from the charging gun socket; and Cause a second signal to be sent to actuate the first locking mechanism from the second position to the first position, wherein the first locking mechanism, when in the first position, prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the charging gun socket.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first locking mechanism further comprises a locking indicator, and wherein the charging gun socket further comprises a shielding element, wherein the locking indicator is visible when the first locking mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the locking indicator is hidden by the shielding element when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the charging gun socket further comprises a protrusion, and wherein the first charging connector further comprises a latch configured to engage with the protrusion, and wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to prevent the latch from disengaging from the protrusion when in the second position.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging gun socket further comprises a wire harness comprising one or more connectors configured to send a first signal when the first locking mechanism is in the first position and a second signal when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system further comprises a partition, and wherein the charging gun socket is mounted to the partition.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second hole configured to receive a second charging connector and a second locking mechanism.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to: Use the first image data to identify a first target icon located on the first charging connector; and Determine that the physical anomaly is associated with the first charging connector rather than the second charging connector based on the first target icon.

9. An Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) device, comprising: A gun plug socket configured to receive a first charging connector for an electric vehicle; A first locking mechanism configured to be actuated from a first position to a second position, wherein the first locking mechanism prevents the first charging connector from being removed from the gun plug socket when in the second position; And An image capture device configured to capture image data of the first charging connector.

10. The EVSE device according to claim 9, wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to be actuated from the first position to the second position based on an indication of a physical anomaly associated with the first charging connector.

11. The EVSE device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the physical anomaly is identified based on the image data of the first charging connector.

12. The EVSE device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first locking mechanism includes a motor, one or more gears, and a control arm.

13. The EVSE device according to claim 12, wherein the control arm further includes a locking indicator, wherein the gun plug socket further includes a shielding element, wherein the locking indicator is visible when the first locking mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the locking indicator is hidden behind the shielding element when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

14. The EVSE device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the gun plug socket further includes a protrusion, wherein the first charging connector further includes a latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the protrusion, and wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to prevent the latch from disengaging from the protrusion when in the second position.

15. The EVSE device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the gun plug socket further includes a wire harness, the wire harness including one or more connectors, wherein the one or more connectors are configured to send a first signal when the first locking mechanism is in the first position and a second signal when the first locking mechanism is in the second position.

Images