Charging Inlet Illumination Using Reflective Tape Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging inlets for vehicles, such as electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, have complex structures due to multiple light emitters, which complicate the illumination and make it difficult to illuminate the entire charging opening effectively, especially at night, and lack sufficient indicator functions for user assistance.
Innovation Solution
A charging inlet design featuring an inlet housing with an illuminator and reflective tapes on its exterior surface, where the illuminator emits light that is reflected by the tapes to illuminate and indicate the charging status, simplifying the structure by sharing illumination and indicator functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light emitters are used to provide both illumination and indicator functions, then the illumination and indication capabilities are improved, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicator function and illumination function into a single light emitter. The light emitter serves dual purposes: providing charging status indication through color changes and providing illumination for the charging opening. This merging eliminates the need for separate light sources, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining both functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light emitter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It can emit different colors to indicate various charging statuses (e.g., green for charging, red for error) and also provides general illumination when activated. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed in the charging inlet.
2Loss of information
If multiple light emitters are installed in the vicinity of the charging opening, then the indicator function is improved, but the entire charging opening cannot be effectively illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective tape element that redirects light from the light emitter along the outer periphery of the charging opening. This creates a dimensional extension of the light path, allowing the illumination to reach areas that would otherwise be in shadow. The reflective tape acts as a light guide, distributing illumination more evenly across the charging opening surface.
3Ease of operation
If separate light sources are used for illumination and indication, then the functional performance is improved, but the number of components and structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator light source and illumination light source into a single light emitter component. This light emitter can operate in different modes to provide both charging status indication and illumination assistance. By combining these functions into one component, the patent reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of operation for users.
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 provides effective illumination and clear indication of charging status with a simplified structure, enhancing user visibility and ease of recognition without the need for additional light sources at each reflective area, allowing for efficient and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective tape attached on an exterior surface of the inlet housing to fit a shape of at least a part of an outer periphery of the charging opening such that the reflective tape is located within the irradiation area with the light radiated from the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
A charging inlet includes: an inlet housing having a charging opening; an illuminator radiating light in which the charging opening is located within an irradiation area; and a reflective tape attached on an exterior surface of the inlet housing to fit a shape of at least a part of an outer periphery of the charging opening such that the reflective tape is located within the irradiation area with the light radiated from the illuminator. The illuminator includes a light source emitting the light of variable colors, and the light source may emit the light based on a radiation pattern corresponding to an operation status at the time of charging.