Charging Station Adapter Locking for Secure EV Plug Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging stations often have permanently installed plugs that are incompatible with electric vehicles equipped with different charging sockets, necessitating users to carry adapters, which can lead to issues like theft and accidental removal.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with an adapter receptacle that can alternate between locking and unlocking modes, secured by a control device to prevent unauthorized removal and theft, allowing the adapter to be stored on the station without user carryover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plug adapters are stored at charging stations, then users no longer need to carry adapters, but adapters may be unintentionally removed or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter receptacle dynamically changes between a locked state (preventing removal) and an unlocked state (allowing removal). The locking mechanism transitions from a static storage position to an active charging configuration, resolving the contradiction between secure storage and authorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the mode of the adapter receptacle and provides feedback to the locking mechanism. When the receptacle is in charging mode, the lock is released; when in storage mode, the lock engages. This feedback loop ensures adapters are securely stored when not in use but easily accessible when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are permanently installed at charging stations, then compatibility is improved, but adaptability to different plug types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is segmented into multiple adapter receptacles, each capable of holding a different type of plug adapter. This segmentation allows the station to support multiple plug types simultaneously without requiring a single complex permanent installation, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter receptacle is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different types of plug adapters. By creating a universal receptacle design that works with multiple adapter types, the charging station achieves broad compatibility without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging station (1), in particular for electric vehicles, having at least one charging point (5) comprising a charging plug (7) for electrical connection to an electrical device to be charged, and having at least one adapter receptacle (9) which is adapted to receive a plug adapter (3) for use with the charging plug (7), wherein the adapter receptacle (9) is adapted to alternately adopt a plurality of modes, wherein the adapter receptacle (9) is adapted to hold the plug adapter (3) secured against unauthorized removal in a locking mode of the plurality of states and to release the plug adapter (3) for removal in an unlocking mode of the plurality of states, wherein the charging station (1) further comprises a control device (11) which is operatively connected to the adapter receptacle (9) and adapted to monitor a current mode of the adapter receptacle (9).