EV Charge Socket Locking Unit Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric charging devices for motor vehicles face difficulties in assembly and maintenance due to screw connections, which are challenging in confined spaces and complicate repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a detent mechanism for releasably connecting the locking unit to the charge plug socket, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, with detent elements and mating detent elements integrated into the housing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect the locking unit to the charge plug socket, then the connection is secure and stable, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a detent element with a detent hook and a mating detent element with a detent receptacle, allowing the locking unit to be divided into separable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining secure connection when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw connection system is replaced with a detent mechanism consisting of a detent element and mating detent element that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking to achieve secure connection without requiring threaded fasteners, thereby simplifying assembly and disassembly operations
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect the locking unit to the charge plug socket, then the connection is secure and stable, but the repair and replacement of components become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is segmented into modular components connected by the detent mechanism, enabling individual components to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire assembly, thus facilitating easy repair and maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The detent element can be extracted from the mating detent element by actuating the release element, allowing individual components to be removed for repair or replacement while leaving the rest of the assembly intact, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures
3Ease of operation
If a detent mechanism is used to connect the locking unit to the charge plug socket, then assembly and disassembly become easy and tool-free, but the connection stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The detent hook is designed with a curved geometry that complements the detent receptacle, creating a snap-fit connection that provides secure mechanical interlocking while allowing easy engagement and disengagement through elastic deformation of the detent element
Solution Approach 2:
The detent element utilizes changes in its elastic properties through controlled deformation during engagement and disengagement, allowing it to transition between a flexible state for easy assembly and a rigid locked state for stable connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability
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
This solution simplifies assembly and maintenance by eliminating the need for screws, enabling easy replacement or revision of components and improving manufacturing and assembly efficiency, while maintaining a secure and sealed connection.
Implementation Method 1
the detent element (7) is designed as a detent spring (8a)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric charging device for a motor vehicle, having a locking unit and a charge plug socket. The locking unit is equipped with a motor drive for adjusting a latch element, and the latch element is designed to releasably lock a charge plug in the charge plug socket. The locking unit and the charge plug socket are releasably connected together via at least two connection aids. According to the invention, each of the two connection aids is designed as a respective combination of a latch element and a mating latch element.