Charging Plug Locking Unit With Elastic End Stop Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromotive locking units for motor vehicle charging devices suffer from damage at the stops due to hard impacts, which can lead to functional and acoustic issues, and do not effectively manage voltage peaks.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic end stop buffer designed as a recess in the locking element, made from elastomeric plastic, which absorbs voltage peaks and provides a damping effect, preventing hard impacts and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard end stop is used for the locking element, then the structure is simple and compact, but damage occurs at the stops due to hard impacts and voltage peaks are not effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by integrating an elastic buffer directly into the locking element that absorbs voltage peaks and dampens impacts before they reach the end stop. This preventive measure eliminates damage at the stops while maintaining the compact hard end stop structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If an elastic end stop buffer is added to absorb voltage peaks, then damage is prevented, but the overall height of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic buffer with the locking element by integrating it directly into the locking element's structure. This combination allows the buffer to be contained within the existing component footprint, absorbing voltage peaks and preventing damage without increasing the overall height of the housing, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buffer is nested within the locking element structure, utilizing the internal space of the existing component. This nesting approach allows the buffer to be housed within the locking element without adding external dimensions, maintaining the compact housing height while providing necessary impact absorption and voltage peak management.
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 elastic end stop buffer ensures reliable functionality, prevents damage, reduces noise, and extends the service life of the locking element by absorbing voltage peaks and maintaining a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
the stop for the locking element is designed as an elastic end stop buffer which is held in a recess of the locking element
Implementation Method 2
Due to the additional attachment of the end stop buffer in a recess of the locking element, the end stop buffer can moreover be equipped with a significant size sufficient for the desired functionality and thus with a damping effect
Data Source
AI summary
An electromotive locking unit for an electrical charging device of a motor vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid motor vehicle. The locking unit is equipped with an electric motor and a transmission connected downstream thereof and furthermore with a locking element, which can be linearly applied by the transmission, for detachably locking a charging plug in a charging socket of the electrical charging device. In addition, at least one stop for the locking element is provided. According to the invention, the stop for the locking element is designed as an elastic end stop buffer which is held in a recess of the locking element.