Vehicle Charging Inlet Assembly Torque Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging inlet assemblies in electric vehicles face issues with high torque and load from increasing battery capacities, leading to unexpected stopping of charging due to misalignment of charging connectors and cables, and potential unintentional detachment.
Innovation Solution
A charging inlet assembly that allows the charging inlet to rotate by a predetermined angle when coupled with the charging connector, utilizing a supporting plate, a supporting rod, and elastic members to balance torque and prevent misalignment, ensuring secure coupling and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the charging inlet is fixed rigidly to the vehicle body, then the structural stability is improved, but the charging connector may be spaced apart from the charging inlet due to torque, causing charging to stop unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging inlet is changed from a fixed rigid structure to a rotatable structure that can dynamically adjust its position. The inlet body is connected to the support plate via a rotation mechanism, allowing it to rotate within a predetermined angle range to maintain proper alignment with the charging connector despite external torque forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The positional parameter of the charging inlet is made variable through the rotation mechanism. Instead of maintaining a fixed position, the inlet can change its angular position to compensate for torque-induced misalignment, ensuring continuous proper contact with the charging connector.
2Reliability
If the charging inlet is allowed to rotate freely, then the misalignment issue is resolved, but the charging connector may be unintentionally detached
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism provides controlled dynamic movement rather than free rotation. It allows the charging inlet to rotate within a predetermined angle range to correct misalignment while preventing excessive rotation that could lead to unintentional detachment of the charging connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides mechanical feedback by opposing the rotation with elastic force. When the charging inlet rotates to correct misalignment, the elastic member generates restoring force that limits the rotation to a predetermined angle, preventing over-rotation and ensuring the connector remains properly engaged.
3Reliability
If the charging inlet rotates to correct misalignment, then the charging connection reliability is improved, but torque is generated that needs to be balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member acts as a counterbalancing element that generates opposing torque to balance the torque caused by the charging connector and cable load. As the charging inlet rotates to correct misalignment, the elastic member deforms and produces restoring torque that counteracts the external torque, maintaining force equilibrium.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic force parameter of the elastic member changes dynamically as the charging inlet rotates. The elastic member deforms during rotation, changing its force output to match and balance the varying torque conditions, ensuring smooth operation without excessive force.
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 reduces torque-related issues, prevents unexpected stopping of charging, and ensures convenient reconnection by maintaining the charging inlet in a usable position, while limiting rotation to prevent unintentional detachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member elastically connecting the charging inlet and the supporting plate... the at least one elastic member may apply elastic force to the charging inlet against the force applied to the charging inlet by the charging connector
Data Source
AI summary
The charging inlet assembly may include: a charging inlet provided at a predetermined position of the vehicle; a charging connector detachably coupled to the charging inlet; a supporting plate covering at least a rear surface of the charging inlet; a supporting rod extending from the supporting plate toward the charging inlet and configured to be coupled to the charging inlet; and at least one elastic member elastically connecting the charging inlet and the supporting plate.