Charging Inlet Lid Structure with Sliding Segmented Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging inlet lids protrude significantly when open, posing a risk to pedestrian safety and increasing the likelihood of the charging inlet and connector getting dirty or frozen during rain or snow, especially when both normal and quick charging inlets are exposed.
Innovation Solution
A charging inlet lid structure with a recessed design featuring a normal charging inlet and a quick charging inlet, each with a dedicated lid that slides independently to minimize exposure and prevent rain or snow intrusion, and a locking mechanism to ensure secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional swing lid is used to cover the charging inlet, then the charging inlet can be protected when closed, but the lid protrudes greatly to the side of the vehicle when opened, interrupting pedestrian passage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging inlet cover is divided into two separate lids (first lid and second lid) that can be opened independently. Each lid covers a portion of the charging inlet, allowing one lid to remain closed while the other is opened for charging, thereby reducing the protrusion distance compared to a single large lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The lids are configured to slide in directions that move them away from each other when opened, rather than swinging outward in a single direction. This dimensional change in the opening motion reduces the maximum protrusion distance of each lid from the vehicle body.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large lid is used to cover both normal and quick charging inlets, then both inlets can be protected, but the lid area increases and protrudes greatly to the side of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The charging inlet cover is segmented into two separate lids corresponding to the normal charging inlet and quick charging inlet. Each lid has a smaller area than a single large lid would require, reducing the protrusion distance while still providing protection when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The two lids can be opened and closed independently based on charging needs. When only one type of charging is required, only the corresponding lid needs to be opened, allowing the other lid to remain closed and protect its charging inlet, effectively reducing the total exposed area.
3Ease of operation
If the charging inlet is left exposed during charging, then easy access is provided, but the charging inlet and connector get dirty easily and may freeze in rain or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The charging inlet is divided into two separate covered areas with independent lids. During charging, only the lid corresponding to the active charging inlet needs to be opened, while the other lid remains closed to protect its charging inlet from rain, snow, and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lid provides localized protection over its respective charging inlet. The first lid protects the normal charging inlet while the second lid protects the quick charging inlet, allowing selective exposure of only the required charging area during charging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging inlet lid structure of a vehicle includes a normal charging inlet and a quick charging inlet in a recess portion for charging, and a first lid and a second lid for the recess portion. One of the normal charging inlet and the quick charging inlet is provided at one side of the recess portion and the other of the normal charging inlet and the quick charging inlet is provided at the other side of the recess portion. The first lid and the second lid are provided so as to slide from totally closed positions where the first lid and the second lid totally close the recess portion in directions in which the first lid and the second lid move away from each other and can be opened and closed independently of each other.