Motor Vehicle Charging Inlet Single Lock Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle charging inlet structures face challenges in securely locking both the lid and the charging connector with a single actuator, limiting the design flexibility due to the need for separate lock pins for the lid and the charging gun, which complicates the compact integration of charging sockets of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle charging inlet structure that employs a single lock member, such as a reciprocating or rotating lock pin, to simultaneously lock the lid and the charging connector, allowing for compact design by utilizing the space adjacent to the first charging socket, which can be smaller in size, and accommodating both ordinary and rapid charging sockets side by side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lock pins are used for the lid and charging connector, then reliable locking is achieved, but the charging inlet size increases and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid lock pin and charging connector lock pin into a single lock pin that performs both locking functions. The lock pin is positioned to engage with the lid when extended, and engage with the charging connector when retracted, eliminating the need for separate lock mechanisms and reducing the charging inlet size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lock pin serves multiple functions: it locks the lid in the closed position, locks the charging connector in the connected position, and can be actuated by a single electromagnetic actuator. This multi-functional design reduces component count and space requirements while maintaining reliable locking.
2Device complexity
If one actuator controls both lid lock pin and charging gun lock pin, then device complexity is reduced, but the charging inlet cannot be made small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two actuators into a single electromagnetic actuator that controls one lock pin. The lock pin is mechanically positioned to interact with both the lid and charging connector at different positions, allowing one actuator to perform the work of two while reducing overall system complexity and size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging inlet is made compact, then vehicle body design flexibility is improved, but separate lock mechanisms cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple lock mechanisms into a single integrated lock pin system, reducing the space required for locking components. This enables more compact charging inlet designs that provide greater flexibility for vehicle body layout and charging socket arrangement.
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 solution effectively secures both the lid and the charging connector with a single lock mechanism, preventing theft and exposure, while allowing for a more compact and flexible vehicle body design by eliminating the need for dedicated space for separate lock mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
activating an electromagnetic actuator and causing a lid lock pin to make a closing operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A motor vehicle charging inlet structure includes: a first charging socket (7) disposed in a recess portion (4) of a vehicle body and connected to an electricity storage unit of a motor vehicle (1), the first charging socket being configured to be connected to a charging connector (11) which supplies electric power from an external power supply to the electricity storage unit; a lid configured to open and close the recess portion; and a lock member configured to, when the lid is closed, come into engagement with the lid to fix the lid in a closed state and configured to, when the charging connector is connected to the first charging socket in a state in which the engagement of the lock member with the lid is released, come into press-contact with the charging connector to fix the charging connector in a connected state.