Charge Cable Lock Device with Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge cable lock devices for vehicles often shorten their lifespan by functioning unnecessarily when the charge cable is not connected, due to coordination with vehicle door locking operations.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a constantly urging mechanism and position detection system that only activates when the charge cable is connected to the power port, using a shared actuator for both charge cable and lid locking, preventing unnecessary operations and extending device durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charge cable lock device is coordinated with vehicle door locking operations, then the locking and unlocking function is improved, but the device lifespan deteriorates due to unnecessary operations when the charge cable is not connected
Solution Approach 1:
The position detector detects whether the charge cable is connected to the power port before the lock device performs locking or unlocking operations. This preliminary detection prevents unnecessary operations when the cable is not connected, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining the locking function when needed
2Reliability
If the lock device operates continuously with door locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to unnecessary actuator operations
Solution Approach 1:
The position detector performs preliminary detection of charge cable connection status before activating the actuator. This ensures the actuator only operates when the cable is properly connected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining locking reliability through coordinated operation with door locking
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lock device ensures that locking and unlocking operations are only performed when the charge cable is connected, thereby increasing the device's lifespan and simplifying the structure by sharing components, while maintaining coordinated operation with vehicle door locking.
Implementation Method 1
A first urging member constantly urges the lock member to the lock position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device locks a locking subject and includes a lock member moved between a lock position for locking the locking subject and an unlock position for unlocking the locking subject. A first urging member urges the lock member to the lock position. A switching member moves between a first position where the switch member fixes the lock member at the lock position and a second position where the switch member permits the lock member to unlock the locking subject. A first actuator drives the switching member. A position detector is arranged in a power supply line connected to the first actuator. The position detector detects whether the lock member has been moved from the unlock position to the lock position subject and permits the supply of power to the first actuator when detecting the movement.