Dual-Cap Charging Connector With Integrated Lock Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power receiving connectors for electric vehicles require separate caps for normal and quick charging, necessitating multiple cap openings during quick charging, which complicates the charging process and may not align with established standards.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with two connection portions, pivotally supported caps, and a power transmission member that integrates the opening mechanism for both caps, allowing simultaneous opening during quick charging by transmitting rotational force between locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate caps are provided for normal and quick charging connection portions, then each connection portion can be independently shielded, but the structure becomes more complex and requires multiple cap openings during quick charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first cap and second cap into a single integrated cap structure that covers both the normal charging connection portion and quick charging connection portion. This merged cap is pivotally supported as one unit and can be opened simultaneously for both connection portions, reducing structural complexity while maintaining shielding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cap serves multiple functions: it shields both normal charging and quick charging connection portions when closed, and can be opened to expose both connection portions simultaneously when needed. The power transmission member also serves dual function by transmitting rotational force to both locks through a single operation.
2Reliability
If separate locks are provided for each cap, then each cap can be independently locked, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple locking functions into a unified locking mechanism. The power transmission member connects the lock for the first cap and the lock for the second cap, allowing both locks to be operated simultaneously through a single rotational action, thereby reducing the complexity of the locking mechanism while maintaining reliable locking for both caps.
3Ease of operation
If multiple caps are opened separately during quick charging, then each cap can be controlled independently, but the charging process becomes more time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous action for cap opening by using the power transmission member to simultaneously transmit rotational force to both locks. When the user operates one lock, the power transmission member automatically operates the other lock at the same time, allowing both caps to be opened in a single continuous motion without interruption or sequential steps, thereby improving charging preparation efficiency.
4Productivity
If a power transmission member is added to transmit rotational force between locks, then simultaneous cap opening is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission member acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects the two locks. When one lock is operated, the power transmission member mediates by transmitting the rotational force to the other lock, enabling synchronized operation. This intermediary approach achieves simultaneous cap opening with a relatively simple mechanical connection rather than complex coordinated control systems.
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 design enables simultaneous opening of both caps during quick charging, aligning with charging standards and enhancing operational efficiency and workability.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission member rotatably supported by the housing. The power transmission member is configured to transmit a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the second lock to the first lock as a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the first lock
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing having a first connection portion and a second connection portion adjacent to the first connection portion, a first cap and a second cap pivotally supported by the housing respectively to be displaceable between an open position where the first and second connection portions are exposed to outside and a closed position where the first and second connection portions are shielded from the outside, a first lock and a second lock rotatably supported by the housing to lock the first cap and the second cap respectively, and a power transmission member rotatably supported by the housing. The power transmission member is configured to transmit a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the second lock to the first lock such that the first cap and the second cap are integrally displaced to the open position.