Charge Port Lock Manual Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicle charge port locks can become stuck in a locked position due to electrical signal faults or communication issues, preventing users from disconnecting the charging cord without manual intervention, which is inconvenient and potentially requires special tools.
Innovation Solution
A manual release system for electrified vehicle charge port locks, featuring a pull button and cable arrangement or a key slot mechanism, allows users to override the lock's position, enabling manual release of the charge cord connector from the charge port assembly, even when the lock is stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrified vehicle charge port lock is used to secure the charge cord connector, then the charge cord is protected from theft and unintended separation, but the lock may become stuck in a locked position due to electrical signal faults or communication issues, preventing manual release
Solution Approach 1:
A cable is introduced as an intermediary mechanical connection between the pull button and the actuator. When the pull button is actuated, the cable transmits the mechanical force to move the actuator and release the lock, providing a reliable backup release mechanism that operates independently of electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capability by enabling the user to manually release the lock themselves using the pull button and cable mechanism when electrical failure occurs, eliminating the need for specialized tools or service intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a manual release system with pull button and cable is added to the charge port lock, then users can override stuck locks without specialized tools, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull button serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for normal lock release and as an emergency release mechanism when the lock becomes stuck. The cable serves dual purposes as both a mechanical linkage and a force transmission element, reducing the need for separate specialized release tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components (pull button, cable, lever) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than complex electronic release systems that would require specialized tools and expertise for maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If the pull button is mounted under the hood to override the lock, then manual release is enabled during charging, but the user must access the engine compartment which may not be immediately accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The pull button is pre-positioned and connected to the actuator via the cable, so that when the user opens the hood, the release mechanism is already in place and ready for immediate actuation. The mechanical connection is established beforehand, eliminating the need for complex assembly during emergency release.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes manual release systems for electrified vehicle charge port locks. In some embodiments, a vehicle key may be used to manually override a position of the charge port lock. In other embodiments, a pull button and cable arrangement may be used to manually override the position of the charge port lock. The pull button may be packaged under a vehicle hood and, in some embodiments, may be mounted to either a cooling system component or a grille support structure.