Vehicle Charging Flap Weather Guard With Obstacle-Based Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap systems for vehicles do not provide adequate weather protection for connection elements such as charging sockets and fueling nozzles, particularly in varying charging systems and weather conditions, leading to issues like snow accumulation and damage from moisture.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated flap system with a pivotable covering flap, an electric motor, controller, and obstacle identification device, which ensures the flap automatically adjusts to a protective position when encountering an obstacle during closure, providing weather protection by maintaining a small spacing with the connected part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the covering flap is opened to allow charging/fueling connection, then the connection element is accessible for charging or fueling, but the connection element and charging recess are exposed to weathering influences such as rain, moisture, snow, and leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The covering flap transitions from a static fully-closed position to a dynamic partially-open protective position during charging/fueling operations. The flap can be actuated to different angles to provide weather protection while maintaining accessibility of the connection element, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility through dynamic positioning rather than fixed states
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the covering flap is closed to protect the connection element, then weather protection is provided, but the connection element cannot be accessed for charging or fueling
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic flap positioning that allows transition between fully closed (protected) and partially open (accessible) states. During charging/fueling, the flap is actuated to a protective intermediate position that simultaneously provides weather protection and maintains operational accessibility, eliminating the need to choose between protection and access
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the covering flap is designed to fully close over the connection element, then maximum weather protection is achieved, but it may collide with connected charging plugs or fueling nozzles of various shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The covering flap is designed to stop at a protective intermediate position rather than fully closing, dynamically adapting to the presence of connected charging plugs or fueling nozzles. This partial closure position provides sufficient weather protection while preventing collision damage to various connecting parts regardless of their shape or size
Solution Approach 2:
The flap positioning parameter is changed from full closure (0 degrees opening) to partial closure (intermediate angle), optimizing the balance between protection and collision prevention. The controller adjusts the flap angle parameter to provide adequate coverage while maintaining safe distance from connected parts
4Ease of operation
If the covering flap is left fully open during charging/fueling, then easy access is maintained, but snow and moisture can accumulate in the charging recess and cover the connection element
Solution Approach 1:
The covering flap is dynamically positioned at an intermediate protective angle during charging/fueling operations, rather than remaining fully open. This dynamic positioning creates a partial shield that blocks snow and moisture from accumulating in the charging recess while still allowing adequate access to the connection element for charging operations
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 system effectively protects charging sockets and fueling nozzles from weather influences, including snow and moisture, while accommodating different charging systems and plug shapes without requiring a fixed closed position, and allows easy access when needed.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, which is coupled to the covering flap via a hinge arm, for driving the covering flap
Implementation Method 2
an obstacle identification device in order to establish if the covering flap and/or the hinge arm are/is driven against the connected connecting part
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated flap system for charging and/or fueling a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, includes a connection element for connecting a connection part of a charging and/or fueling station to the vehicle, a pivotal cover flap in order to cover the connection element in a closed position and to release same in an open position, an electric motor for driving the cover flap via a hinge arm, a controller for controlling the electric motor in order to move the cover flap in a closing direction and in an opening direction, and an obstacle detection device in order to ascertain if the cover flap and/or the hinge arm is being driven against the connection part when being moved in the closing direction and is being prevented from moving further. On the basis of the ascertained obstruction by the connection part, the controller produces a counter movement of the cover flap in the opening direction until the cover flap assumes a protective position which lies between the position reached by the cover flap up to the connection part and the open position in order to form a weather guard during a charging and/or fueling process.