Charging Port Lock Cover Geometry for Accidental Disconnection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
During charging of electric vehicles, the connection between the charging connector and charging port can be inadvertently disconnected, leading to incomplete charging sessions, as existing locking mechanisms fail to securely maintain the connection over extended charging periods.
Innovation Solution
A charging port lock device with a cover and lock mechanism that uses a restricting member to prevent accidental disengagement, featuring a cover member with an opening for an engaging member and a swing arm that restricts the charging connector's release, ensuring the connection remains secure and dust is prevented from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging connector is connected to a charging port for extended charging periods, then charging operation can be performed, but the connection may be inadvertently disconnected leading to incomplete charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a lock mechanism that is activated before or during the charging process to prevent accidental disconnection. The locking member engages with the charging connector to secure it to the charging port, ensuring the connection is established and maintained before charging begins and remains secure throughout the extended charging period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary locking mechanism as a mediator between the charging connector and charging port. The locking member acts as an intermediate component that physically connects and secures the charging connector to the charging port, providing an additional layer of connection security beyond the basic plug-socket interface.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection security is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the charging port structure itself, integrating the locking function into the existing charging port housing. The locking member is incorporated as part of the charging port assembly rather than being a separate external device, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to be automatically activated when the charging connector is properly inserted into the charging port. The charging connector itself triggers the locking action through its insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations or additional control systems, thereby simplifying the device structure.
3Reliability
If a restricting member is used to limit engaging member operation, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but dust may accumulate around the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cover member that acts as a protective shell over the locking mechanism. This cover encloses the locking member and engaging member while incorporating an opening that allows the engaging member to pass through. The cover protects the internal components from dust accumulation while maintaining the restricting function of the locking mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the opening in the cover member is made larger to allow engaging member passage, then ease of operation is improved, but dust entry and clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different characteristics to different parts of the cover member. The opening area has sufficient size for engaging member passage, while the surrounding areas are designed with smooth surfaces and appropriate spacing to prevent dust accumulation. The cover geometry is optimized locally at the opening edges and interior surfaces to minimize dust trapping while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a charging port lock device that can prevent the connection of a charging port and a charging connector from being unexpectedly released during charging. [Solution] A charging port to which electric power is supplied from an external power source through the charging connector by an operation of an operator is provided with a cover member that has an opening into which an engaging member can be inserted, and, from a charging connector insertion and removal side, covers a lock mechanism that achieves both locked and unlocked states by rotational movement of the restricting member, and the gap between the inner periphery surface of the cover member at the side of the lock mechanism and a rotational movement locus of the restricting member is configured to be greater with the distance from the opening in the rotational direction.