Charging Connector With Interchangeable Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging connectors are limited in versatility, as they either require only electrical connections or additional fluid/air transport systems, and lack a simple, cost-effective design that can be adapted for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A charging connector with standardized fastening holes and interchangeable adapters for fluid lines and pilot contacts, allowing for versatile use in both electrical and fluid/air transport systems, with adapters arranged on handles that can be variably positioned and easily replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If charging connectors are designed with specialized fluid/air transport systems, then functionality for specific applications is improved, but device complexity and the number of different connector types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized handle with universal fastening holes that can accommodate different adapter types. The handle itself becomes a multi-functional component that can be configured for electrical connections, fluid transport, compressed air, or combinations thereof, depending on which adapters are attached. This resolves the contradiction by providing application-specific functionality through adapter selection rather than through specialized connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging connector system into three independent components: a standardized handle, adapter housings, and interchangeable adapters. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compatibility through the standardized fastening interface. The handle provides structural support and electrical connection, while adapters provide specialized functions (fluid transport, compressed air) that can be attached or removed as needed, reducing the need for multiple complete connector types.
2Reliability
If charging connectors are designed as specialized units for specific media transport, then reliability for specific applications is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connector configuration changeable through interchangeable adapters that can be attached or removed from the standardized handle. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same handle to be reliably used for different applications (electrical only, fluid transport, compressed air) without requiring specialized manufacturing for each application. The standardized fastening holes and adapter mounting interfaces ensure reliable connections while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through component standardization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized charging connectors are maintained for different applications, then adaptability to specific needs is improved, but loss of time for maintenance and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into a permanent standardized handle and interchangeable adapters. When maintenance or replacement is needed, only the adapter portion needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire connector assembly. The standardized fastening holes on the handle provide quick attachment and detachment points for adapters, significantly reducing maintenance time compared to replacing entire specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the application-specific functionality from the main connector body and places it in separate, removable adapters. This extraction allows the core handle component to remain in service indefinitely, while only the relatively small, inexpensive adapters need to be replaced or maintained. The standardized mounting interface enables rapid removal and replacement of these extracted adapter components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging connector comprising a plug provided with a plug housing, and a socket outlet provided with a socket outlet housing, the plug housing and the socket outlet housing respectively comprising standard fixing holes for fixing a handle in an interchangeable manner. The inventive charging connector is also provided with interchangeable adapters for fluid lines and/or pilot contacts. The adapters are arranged on the interchangeable handles and can be fixed therewith to the charging plug housing and/or the socket outlet housing.