Charging Interface Nesting in Vehicle Bodywork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid vehicle charging interfaces are often exposed, making them vulnerable to weather influences and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The charging interface is strategically positioned behind a side bodywork section, such as a vehicle door or step structure, allowing protection from environmental and unauthorized access while maintaining easy access when needed, and utilizing existing vehicle lighting for communicating the state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging interface is arranged on the outside of the bodywork for easy accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to exposure to weather influences and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is nested within a recess in the bodywork, positioned behind a side bodywork section (such as a vehicle door or step structure). This nesting arrangement allows the charging interface to be protected from environmental influences and unauthorized access while remaining accessible when needed, as the recess provides a sheltered location that is still reachable from the exterior.
2Reliability
If the charging interface is protected behind the side bodywork section, then the reliability is improved through protection from environmental influences, but the ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The bodywork is designed with a specific local structure featuring a recess that accommodates the charging interface. This local quality modification creates a protected zone behind the side bodywork section (door or step) that provides environmental protection while maintaining a controlled access path. The recess acts as a localized protected space that does not compromise overall accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the charging interface is exposed on the outside, then the ease of operation is improved for quick charging access, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to direct exposure to weather and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is nested within a recess in the bodywork, positioned behind a side bodywork section (such as a vehicle door or step structure). This nesting arrangement allows the charging interface to be protected from environmental influences and unauthorized access while remaining accessible when needed, as the recess provides a sheltered location that is still reachable from the exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the bodywork acts as an intermediary structure between the charging interface and the external environment. This intermediate element provides protection against harmful factors (weather, unauthorized access) while still allowing controlled access to the charging interface, effectively mediating between protection requirements and operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a storage device for storing electrical energy for an electric machine of the motor vehicle, a charging device having a charging interface for connecting a charging component for externally charging the storage device and a side bodywork section. The side bodywork section includes a vehicle door for opening and closing a person entry region which leads into a driver and/or passenger accommodating space of the motor vehicle. The charging interface is arranged in the lateral direction of the motor vehicle behind the side bodywork section, so that it can be protected by the side bodywork section against environmental influences and/or unauthorized access.