Vehicle Charging Connector Frame With Buffer Covers for Contact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging apparatuses face quality degradation due to contact between power feeding components and the vehicle, leading to interference and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging apparatus with a sliding body, connector unit, and movable frame equipped with flexible buffer members that protect against contact by aligning with the vehicle's stopping posture, using a sliding mechanism and swinging arms to ensure safe and durable power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power feeding component is pressed up to fit and connect with the power receiving fitting body, then the power feeding function is achieved, but contact between the power feeding side component and the vehicle side occurs causing quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing buffer members (first buffer member at the upper end of the second cover, and second buffer members at the upper ends of the third covers) that can come into contact with the vehicle before the power feeding component. These buffer members absorb contact forces and prevent direct contact between the power feeding component and the vehicle, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving power feeding function and avoiding quality degradation from contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the arms are swingably supported to support the connector, then adaptability to vehicle positioning is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arms swingably supported at their base end portions, allowing the arms to dynamically adjust their position according to the vehicle's stopping posture. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different vehicle positions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to fully adjustable mechanisms.
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 apparatus reduces quality deterioration by minimizing contact between power feeding components and the vehicle, ensuring durability and functionality through flexible buffer members that adapt to the vehicle's alignment, thereby protecting both the apparatus and the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a first buffer member that has flexibility and can come into contact with the vehicle before the upper end, and the pair of third covers are provided, at least at respective upper ends of the third covers, with a second buffer members that have flexibility and can come into contact with the vehicle before the upper ends
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle charging apparatus includes a second cover surrounding a connector unit from a forwarding direction side of the sliding body, and a third covers arranged to face each other with a gap in the second direction, wherein the connector unit is arranged between the third covers. The second cover and a pair of third covers form a movable frame which extends upwards in conjunction with a swinging motion of arms when the arms rise, and surrounds the arms which are in a rising position. The second cover is provided with a first buffer member that has flexibility at least its upper end and can come into contact with the vehicle before the upper end. The pair of the third covers are provided with second buffer members that have flexibility at least at respective upper ends and can come into contact with the vehicle before the upper ends.