Electromechanical Actuator Emergency Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for locking charging cables in charging receptacles are inadequate in emergency situations, as only authorized users can release the cable, and malfunctioning actuators require complete disassembly to release the locking pin, with potential for unauthorized access through unrestricted emergency windows.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator with a housing containing a window that allows direct or indirect mechanical access to the locking pin or drive, sealed by a breakable barrier, requiring tools to access, providing a secure and tamper-evident mechanism for emergency release without relying on electrical control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a window is provided for emergency unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is provided with a window at a specific location that allows access to the locking pin or drive for emergency release, while the rest of the housing maintains its protective enclosure. The window is selectively positioned to provide necessary access without compromising overall security
Solution Approach 2:
A breakable barrier is pre-installed to seal the window, providing fraud protection. The barrier is designed to break under emergency conditions, allowing access to the locking mechanism, while normally preventing unauthorized access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking pin is completely enclosed in the housing, then the security against tampering is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented to include a window that provides access to the locking pin or drive, separating the protective enclosure function from the emergency access function. This allows the locking mechanism to remain enclosed while providing a controlled access path
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator (17) for locking a charging cable (1) in a charging receptacle (15), wherein the actuator (17) comprises a housing (18), a locking pin (19), and a drive (20), wherein the drive (20) is configured to move the locking pin (19) from a first position, in which the locking pin (19) releases the charging cable (1), to a second position, in which the locking pin (19) engages in an opening (6) of the charging cable (1) inserted into the charging receptacle (15), wherein the housing (18) of the actuator (17) comprises a window (21) through which the locking pin (19) or the drive (20) can be accessed for moving the locking pin (19) from the second position to the first position. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a charging receptacle (29) for locking a charging cable (1).