Charging Port Locking Mechanism Prevents Inadvertent Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of inadvertent disconnection between the charging port and connector during extended charging sessions for vehicles with high-capacity batteries, leading to incomplete charging, and existing solutions do not adequately prevent such events.
Innovation Solution
A charging port locking device with a swinging arm mechanism that restricts the removal of the charging connector, featuring a lock actuator and anchoring screw for secure engagement and release, ensuring the connection remains intact even if the lock actuator fails, and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charging connector is designed to be easily removable for user convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the connection becomes vulnerable to inadvertent disconnection during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a locking mechanism that automatically engages when the charging connector is inserted into the charging port. The locking arm and locking groove are pre-positioned to automatically lock the connector upon insertion, preventing inadvertent disconnection during charging while maintaining ease of initial connection.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the locking mechanism into distinct functional components: a locking arm with a locking groove, a locking protrusion on the charging connector, and a rotating actuator. These segmented elements work together to provide reliable locking while keeping each component simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element - the locking arm - that mediates between the charging connector and the charging port. The locking arm with its locking groove engages with the locking protrusion on the connector, providing a simple mechanical interface that achieves reliable locking without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the charging connector is locked during charging, then connection stability is improved, but ease of release operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a rotating actuator that can dynamically switch the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked states. The rotating actuator rotates to engage or disengage the locking arm, providing easy release operation when needed while maintaining stable locking during charging. This dynamic mechanism allows simple one-directional rotation to control the locking state.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a charging port locking device capable of avoiding inadvertent connection breaks between a charging port and a charging connector. [Solution] The charging port locking device according to the present invention is provided with a locking mechanism that enters a locked state or an unlocked state through the rotation of a restraining member in a charging port to which power is supplied from an external power source through a charging connector via user operation, the restraining member being screwed in place to a rotating actuator of the locking mechanism, and the screw being provided within a hood of the vehicle.