Charging Connector Lock Lever Switch for Stable Release Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging connectors fail to maintain the switch state in a locked position when the operation portion is operated, and they do not maintain the released state of the switch until the mating of the connector is completed.
Innovation Solution
The charging connector incorporates a switch mechanism, a temporary maintenance mechanism, and a cooperation portion. The temporary maintenance mechanism keeps the switch at an initial position unless the latch moves beyond the lock lever's play range, and the cooperation portion moves the switch to change its state when the latch reaches a predetermined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch is directly connected to the lock lever, then the switch state changes when the operation portion is operated, but the switch state should remain unchanged under locked state
Solution Approach 1:
A maintenance member (spring-loaded plunger) is introduced as an intermediary between the lock lever and the switch. This maintenance member maintains contact with the switch pressing portion, ensuring the switch remains in the released state during normal operation while preventing false triggering when the operation portion is operated under locked state. The maintenance member acts as a buffer that filters out unwanted switch state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance member is pre-positioned to maintain contact with the switch pressing portion before the lock lever moves. This preliminary positioning ensures that the switch is kept in the released state in advance, and only changes state when the lock lever actually reaches the engaged position, preventing premature or false state changes.
2Reliability
If the switch maintains released state during locking operation, then the switch state is stable, but the released state should be maintained until connector mating is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The switch provides feedback about the lock lever position to the control system. The maintenance member ensures the switch remains in the released state as long as the lock lever is within the play range, and only transitions to the pressed state when the lock lever actually engages, providing accurate feedback about the true locking status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static switch connection to a dynamic system where the maintenance member can move independently within certain ranges. The maintenance member absorbs small movements (play range) without transmitting them to the switch, but transmits significant movements (actual engagement) to trigger the switch state change.
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 configuration ensures that the switch state is not changed to the released state when the operation portion is operated under a locked state, and it maintains the released state until the connector is fully mated, meeting both required conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring located toward a power receiving connector away from the swing fulcrum to bias the lock arm toward the lock position
Implementation Method 2
the latch is attracted to the mating latch by a magnetic attraction force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A charging connector comprises a lock lever having a latch, a cooperation portion, a switch mechanism and a temporary maintenance mechanism. The latch is movable between an engageable position and a released potion via a predetermined position. The switch mechanism is located at an initial position when the latch is located at the engageable position. The switch mechanism includes a pressed portion. The temporary maintenance mechanism temporarily maintains the switch mechanism at the initial position when the latch is located between the engageable position and the predetermined position. When the latch is located between the predetermined position and the released position, the cooperation portion presses the pressed portion of the switch mechanism to move the switch mechanism from the initial position against the temporary maintenance mechanism and thereby changes a state of the switch body from the initial state to a released state.