EV Charging Port Cover Flap Path to Avoid Body Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering devices for electric vehicle charging connections have high space requirements, pose obstacles, and are prone to damage, with complex and costly solutions that compromise user comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A motor-operated covering device for electric vehicles that moves the cover flap along the vehicle body, using a power transmission system aligned with the motor's axis to minimize space and ensure safe, efficient operation, with a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover flap is swiveled outwards when exposing charging connections, then the charging connection is accessible, but the device protrudes from the vehicle at a 90° angle and represents an obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap is guided to move along a three-dimensional path that combines lateral displacement with longitudinal movement along the vehicle body. Instead of simple outward swiveling, the flap transitions from a two-dimensional rotation to a three-dimensional trajectory that keeps it close to the vehicle surface, eliminating the 90° protrusion while maintaining charging access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover flap transitions from a static or simple rotational movement to a dynamically controlled motion along a predefined path. The guide means and motor system enable the flap to adapt its movement trajectory, switching between lateral opening and longitudinal positioning to optimize both accessibility and safety.
2Ease of operation
If known covering devices are swiveled outwards, then charging connections are exposed, but the devices are vulnerable to vandalism and damage due to unfavorable angle
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the cover flap along the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction rather than allowing it to protrude outward at 90°, the invention creates a more protected position that is less accessible to vandals and less vulnerable to accidental damage from other vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the cover flap's movement, ensuring it follows a safe trajectory along the vehicle body. This guided movement system mediates between the need for exposure and the need for protection, positioning the flap in a secure location.
3Ease of operation
If lateral opening and closing is implemented, then charging connections are accessible, but the solution is constructively complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the lateral opening function with longitudinal movement along the vehicle body into a single integrated guide means. Instead of separate mechanisms for lateral movement and positioning, the guide channel integrates both functions, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the lateral opening motion, controls the longitudinal positioning, and ensures the cover flap follows the correct trajectory. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate mechanical systems, reducing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-driven covering device for covering and exposing a charging connection arranged on the body of an electric vehicle with respect to a vehicle exterior can include a cover flap for covering the charging connection in a closed state and for exposing the charging connection in an open state, a motor operatively connected to the cover flap for driving an opening movement and a closing movement of the cover flap, a power transmission device for transmitting a motor power of the motor for performing the opening movement and the closing movement of the cover flap, and a guide element for guiding the cover flap along a movement path during the opening movement and the closing movement of the cover flap.