Charge Port Lock Assembly for Electric Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric and hybrid electric vehicles lack effective mechanisms to securely retain the charge port door and charging plug during charging and non-charging times, leading to potential theft and accidental removal of charging components.
Innovation Solution
A charge port lock assembly utilizing a bi-state actuator and controller to selectively lock and unlock the charge port door and charging cord, ensuring secure retention and easy operation, with a single actuator managing both functions to minimize cost and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charge port lock assembly is implemented to securely retain the charge port door and charging cord, then security against theft and accidental removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge port door lock and charging cord lock into a single integrated lock assembly. The actuator assembly with a single post controls both the door lock assembly and cord lock assembly, merging two separate locking functions into one unified mechanism. This reduces the number of components while maintaining security for both the door and cord.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it locks and unlocks both the charge port door and the charging cord. The post can be positioned at different locations (first location for door locking, second location for cord locking) to perform different locking functions, making the mechanism universal and multi-functional.
2Reliability
If the charge port door is automatically locked during charging, then security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly automatically performs the locking function without requiring manual intervention from the user. When the charging cord is inserted into the charge receptacle, the system automatically engages the cord lock assembly to secure the cord, and the door lock assembly to secure the door. This self-service mechanism improves security while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution provides secure retention of charging components, preventing theft and accidental removal, while allowing intuitive locking and unlocking, enhancing user experience and security.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having a post extending therefrom, the actuator energizable to retract the post to a fully retracted position and to move to an extended rest position and a partially retracted rest position after being energized
Implementation Method 2
The charge port door selectively covers access to the charge receptacle and has a door ejection spring that biases the charge port door toward an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A charge port lock assembly for use with a charge receptacle on a vehicle having a rechargeable battery. The charge port lock assembly may include an actuator assembly including an actuator energizable to retract the post to a retracted position and to move to an extended rest position and a partially retracted rest position; a charge port door that covers the charge receptacle and a has a door ejection spring; a charge door lock assembly that releases the charge port door when the post is in the fully retracted position and retains the charge port door in the closed position when the post is in the other positions; a cord lock assembly that retains a charge cord assembly in the charge receptacle when the post is in the extended rest position and releases the charge cord assembly in the other positions. The controller energizes the actuator.