Charging Apparatus Locking Mechanism Waterproof Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging apparatuses with lock mechanisms for power supply plugs face issues with water protection without increasing the size or complexity of the charger main unit, and are prone to water ingress and potential short circuits when installed outdoors.
Innovation Solution
The charging apparatus incorporates a case with a swing pin that engages a slidable pin to lock the power supply plug, with a waterproof design that includes inclined plates and notches to direct water away from the locking device, preventing rain entry and supporting the connector socket and locking device without enlarging the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism with solenoid is provided in the forward part of the main unit, then the power supply plug can be locked to prevent tampering or damage, but the charger main unit becomes larger and more complicated in design
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into modular components: connector socket, swing pin, slidable pin, and spring, each performing a specific function. This segmentation allows for simplified design and easier manufacturing while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically restores the slidable pin to its original position after the swing pin pushes it during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable locking.
2Reliability
If a waterproof wall or larger cover is provided around the locking device, then the locking device can be protected from water, but the charger main unit becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The case acts as an intermediary waterproof barrier between the external environment and the locking device. It includes a waterproof wall and inclined plates that redirect water away from internal components, providing effective water protection without requiring excessive structural material or increasing overall unit size.
Solution Approach 2:
Water protection is achieved not by increasing the horizontal size of the cover, but by utilizing the vertical dimension through inclined plates that direct water downward away from the locking device. This dimensional approach provides effective waterproofing without enlarging the charger main unit footprint.
3Device complexity
If the slidable pin is fixed perpendicular to the engaging part, then the locking structure is simplified, but bending stress is applied to the slidable pin reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable pin is designed to slide parallel to the engaging part rather than being fixed perpendicular to it. This dynamic configuration allows the pin to move in the direction of force application during insertion, eliminating bending stress while maintaining structural simplicity and improving reliability.
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 configuration effectively protects the locking device from water, reduces the size and complexity of the charger main unit, and ensures reliable operation by preventing water ingress and maintaining the locking mechanism's reliability, while allowing easy attachment and detachment of the power supply plug.
Implementation Method 1
the swing pin pushes the slidable pin when the power supply plug is inserted into the case and the power supply connector is held by the connector socket
Implementation Method 2
a spring, which restores the slidable pin to an original position
Implementation Method 3
The slidable pin is made to slide by switchably energizing or stop energizing the solenoid of the locking device 92
Data Source
AI summary
When a power supply plug 40 is inserted into a case 20, a swing pin 43 of the power supply plug 40 pushes a slidable pin 57 in the case 20. Then, when an engaging part 45 of the power supply plug 40 provided at the tip end of the swing pin 43 is engaged with an engaging part 59, the slidable pin 57 is restored to its original position at a mouth, and the periphery of the swing pin 43 abuts against the periphery of the slidable pin 57, and thus the power supply plug 40 and the case 20 are locked. In addition, a locking device 50 having the slidable pin is disposed at the back of the case 20, and a first waterproof wall 30 and a second waterproof wall 34 are provided at positions closer to the mouth than the locking device 50.