Vehicle Charging Socket Lid Parallelogram for Compact Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging modules require significant installation space due to the need for large internal spaces to accommodate lid support arms, are unstable in the tilted position, and pose obstacles during operation, especially when using AC/DC charging sockets.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging module with a lid that uses a parallelogram mechanism comprising two arms pivotally mounted on the lid and body, allowing the lid to move parallel to the vehicle surface, reducing space requirements and ensuring stability, with caps covering the charging socket when closed and allowing AC/DC charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is firmly connected to a single shaped arm mounted pivotally in the vehicle body with the free end, then the lid can be opened and closed, but a large free space must be created in the body for the arm to move, which is difficult to manufacture and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lid connection is segmented from a single arm connection to a parallelogram mechanism with two arms (first and second support arms) connected to the lid at different locations. This segmentation allows the lid to move parallel to the vehicle body surface without requiring large internal space for arm movement, as each arm operates within a constrained arc path.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid movement is changed from a simple pivotal rotation to a parallelogram-driven parallel translation motion. By using two arms connected at different points on the lid, the system transforms the movement dimension, allowing the lid to open and close while maintaining parallel orientation to the body surface, thus reducing space requirements.
2Reliability
If the lid is made large enough to cover the filling or charging opening and engage with locking member and contact sensor, then the charging module can be properly sealed and secured, but the lid extends far out of the body forming an obstacle for vehicle operation and may become damaged by twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into a main body portion and an extended cap portion. The main body provides the necessary coverage for sealing and securing (engaging with locking member and contact sensor), while the extended cap portion covers the charging socket opening without extending far out of the vehicle body, thus eliminating obstacles for vehicle operation and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap function is extracted as a separate element that can pivotally mount on the support arm. This allows the cap to cover the charging socket opening independently while the main lid body remains compact, separating the sealing function from the obstacle-causing extension.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is hinged deeper in the body to allow movement, then the lid can be opened and closed, but it requires significant installation space and creates manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The hinging function is segmented from a single deep pivot point to two shallower pivot points (first and second support pins) positioned on the vehicle body surface. This segmentation allows the lid to move parallel to the body surface using the parallelogram mechanism, eliminating the need for deep internal hinging space and simplifying manufacturing.
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 solution minimizes installation space, enhances stability, and prevents obstacles during operation while enabling reliable AC/DC charging without extending far from the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
a lid swing mounted in the body to close the dish-shaped bulge orifice using two arms, the carrying ends of which are pivotally mounted on the lid inside by means of carrying pins and support ends of which are pivotally mounted in the body by means of support pins arranged on one side of the charging socket, whereas, the arms and the lid form a parallelogram to move the lid in a position parallel to the vehicle body surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The vehicle charging module comprises an electric charging socket (1) housed in a bottom (5) of a dish-shaped bulge (6) of a vehicle body (7) and a lid (9) swing mounted in the vehicle body (7) to close the dish-shaped bulge (6) by means of two arms (10, 11), the carrying ends (12, 13) of which are pivotally mounted on the lid (9) inside by means of carrying pins (14, 15) and support ends (16, 17) of which are pivotally mounted in the body (7) by means of support pins (18, 19) arranged on one side of the charging socket (1), whereas the arms (10, 11) and the lid (9) form a parallelogram to move the lid (9) in a position parallel to the body (7) surface, wherein the support pin (18) of the arm (10) which is closer to the charging socket (1), is in the direction of the longitudinal axis (a) of the charging socket (1) closer to the front (2) of the charging socket (1) than the support pin (19) of the arm (11), which is more distant from the charging socket (1).