Electric Vehicle Charging Port Layout for Shorter DC Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Straddled electric vehicles face challenges in accommodating charging ports and harnesses within limited vehicle body space, due to the need for rapid charging which requires thick harnesses and connectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple charging ports, including a DC charging port near the battery for rapid charging and an AC charging port positioned away from the battery, allows for shorter harnesses, reduced space requirements, and cost savings by eliminating expensive high-current connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a DC charging port is provided for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but the harness cross-sectional area increases and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging function into two separate charging ports: a DC charging port for rapid charging and an AC charging port for standard charging. This segmentation allows the DC charging port to be optimized for high current with a shorter, thicker harness, while the AC charging port uses a longer, thinner harness, thereby reducing the overall space requirement for harnesses in the limited vehicle body space.
2Productivity
If a DC charging port is provided for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but harness weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging function into two separate charging ports: a DC charging port for rapid charging and an AC charging port for standard charging. This segmentation allows the DC charging port to be optimized for high current with a shorter, thicker harness, while the AC charging port uses a longer, thinner harness, thereby reducing the overall space requirement for harnesses in the limited vehicle body space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging ports are provided in limited vehicle body space, then charging functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging function into two separate charging ports: a DC charging port for rapid charging and an AC charging port for standard charging. This segmentation allows the DC charging port to be optimized for high current with a shorter, thicker harness, while the AC charging port uses a longer, thinner harness, thereby reducing the overall space requirement for harnesses in the limited vehicle body space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design characteristics to different charging ports based on their specific functions. The DC charging port is designed with a shorter, thicker harness suitable for high current rapid charging, while the AC charging port uses a longer, thinner harness appropriate for standard charging. This local optimization of harness characteristics reduces overall complexity and space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A straddled electric vehicle according to an embodiment includes: a wheel; an electric motor that drives the wheel; a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor; a DC charging port that receives a DC current output from a first external power source; and an AC charging port that receives an AC current output from a second external power source. A first distance being defined as a distance between the DC charging port and the battery is smaller than a second distance being defined as a distance between the AC charging port and the battery.