EV Charging Socket Conductive Latch for Reliable Plug Lock Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack a reliable and cost-effective method to ensure that the charging plug is securely locked to the socket, often leading to false positives in locking confirmation and mechanical failures.

Innovation Solution

An electrically conducting latch in the charging socket forms part of an electric feedback loop, ensuring the latch is properly engaged by contacting a conductive contact member, and a controller determines the loop's closure to initiate charging, using a simple and durable design that can be retrofitted with minimal redesign.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art switching solutions are used to detect latch position, then locking confirmation can be obtained, but false positives occur when the locking means is damaged and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking confirmation reliabilityVSAvoidlatch position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching solutions with an electrically conducting latch that forms part of an electric feedback loop. The latch itself serves as the detection element, where its electrical conductivity state directly indicates its position. When the latch is in the locked position, it completes the electrical circuit, providing a reliable and accurate signal without the complexity and failure modes of mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch serves dual functions: it performs the mechanical locking function and simultaneously serves as the detection element for confirming the locked state. The latch's own electrical conductivity property is utilized to provide the feedback signal, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms and reducing points of failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If complex switching arrangements are implemented to determine latch position, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch position detection capabilityVSAvoidlocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical locking and electrical detection. By making the latch electrically conducting and integrating it into the feedback loop, the system eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, sensors, and control circuitry, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the locking mechanism and the detection mechanism into a single integrated component - the electrically conducting latch. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches, electrical contacts, and associated mounting structures, simplifying the overall device design and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If mechanical switching solutions are used for latch detection, then position determination is possible, but the system becomes prone to wear and mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system reliabilityVSAvoidlocking system service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical switching components that are subject to wear, friction, and mechanical failure. By using the latch's electrical conductivity as the detection mechanism, the system replaces mechanical contact-based switching with an electrical field-based detection method, significantly extending the service life and reliability of the locking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure and reliable method to confirm plug locking, preventing charging when the latch is damaged and reducing theft risks, while being cost-effective and suitable for various vehicle types.

Implementation Method 1

The latch and the contact member are at least partially electrically conducting and form part of an electric feedback loop in the lock position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250326308A1Electric vehicle charging socket with an electrically conducting latch

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

An electric vehicle charging socket for receiving a charging plug is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging socket includes a latch for locking the charging plug to the charging socket, the latch being movable between a release position and a lock position. The electric vehicle charging socket also includes a contact member arranged to be contacted by the latch in the lock position, where the latch and the contact member are at least partially electrically conducting and form part of an electric feedback loop in the lock position.