Charge Port Shield With Interference Fit for Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face issues with environmental precipitation and contaminants accumulating on the charge port, interfering with the connection and disconnection of the charger plug, especially in inclement weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A charge port shield that couples to the charge port via an interference fit, using a polymer-based material with ribs for secure attachment, a ledge to redirect precipitation, and a pull tab for easy removal, without requiring magnets or mechanical fasteners, allowing the charger plug to connect and disconnect through a dedicated opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a charge port shield is used to protect from precipitation and contaminants, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge port shield is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently installed and removed from the charge port assembly. This segmentation allows the shielding function to be added without permanently complicating the overall device structure, as the shield can be detached when not needed for charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge port shield acts as an intermediary component between the charge port and the external environment. It provides temporary protection during non-charging periods and can be easily removed or bypassed when charging is required, mediating between the need for protection and the need for accessibility.
2Strength
If magnets or mechanical fasteners are used to attach the charge port shield, then attachment strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge port shield utilizes the natural geometry and elasticity of the charge port housing to achieve self-retention. The flexible polymer material allows the shield to be inserted and held in place by the inherent structural features of the charge port opening, eliminating the need for additional magnets, clips, or fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield employs parameter changes in material properties - using a flexible polymer that can deform during insertion and then elastic recover to maintain contact pressure. This change in physical state from flexible during installation to rigid during use provides secure attachment without additional components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the charge port shield covers the charge port opening, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but access to charge port functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charge port shield is designed as a dynamic, removable component rather than a permanent cover. It can be easily removed or displaced when charging operations are needed, and restored when protection is required. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between protected and accessible states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed to be removed or moved aside as a preliminary action before plug insertion, and then restored after charging. This preliminary removal action enables access to the charge port while maintaining protection during non-charging periods, resolving the contradiction between continuous protection and operational access.
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
Effectively shields the charge port from precipitation and debris, ensuring reliable plug connections and disconnections, while maintaining access to the charge port's functionality and illumination, without the need for additional fastening mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a charge port shield that couples to a charge port through an interference fit
Implementation Method 2
the charge port shield includes a polymer-based material that includes a ultraviolet stabilizing additive
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a charge port shield that couples to a charge port through an interference fit. The charge port shield includes a plug access opening to permit connecting a charger plug to the charge port. A ledge of the charge port shield can project outboard over the plug access opening to shield the charge port.