Charging Plug Protective Cover for RV and Yacht Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-current charging plugs for recreational vehicles and yachts are complex and costly, and when not in use, they are prone to foreign matter entry, leading to potential short circuits and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A charging plug design featuring a protective cover that seals the abutting hole when not in use, integrated injection molding for a simple and sturdy structure, and a boss extending from the edge to prevent water ingress during use, along with equiangularly distributed conducting strips and a foolproof design to prevent incorrect insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug and socket are fitted tightly for high-current charging, then the charging reliability is improved, but the structural complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug is divided into functional segments: the main body housing, the protective cover for the abutting hole, and the conducting strips. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the protective cover can be a simple cap without complex internal structure, yet still provide the necessary protection when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is extracted as a separate component that can be removed or opened during charging operation. This allows the abutting hole to be accessible when needed while providing protection when not in use, without requiring the entire plug structure to be complex.
2Ease of operation
If the abutting hole is left open for charging operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of foreign matter entry and short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover transitions between two states: closed during storage to prevent foreign matter entry, and open during charging to allow connection. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the abutting hole. It provides a barrier against foreign matter while allowing controlled access during charging operation, mediating between protection and accessibility requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective cover is added to seal the abutting hole, then the protection against foreign matter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than incorporating complex sealing mechanisms or sophisticated protection systems, a basic cover provides sufficient protection for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover utilizes a simple shell structure that can be made from thin-walled material. This provides adequate protection against foreign matter entry while minimizing the added complexity and weight of the protective component.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging plug for high-current charging equipment, the upper end face of main body is provided with an abutting hole corresponding to the socket, and the conducting strips are partially exposed in the abutting hole. A boss extends transversely along the edge of abutting hole in the main body. The charging plug is provided with a protective cover. The protective cover comprises a cover body matching the abutting hole, a collar part fitted over main body and an interconnecting piece connecting the cover body with collar part.