EV Charging Socket Cover Lock to Prevent Plug Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing junction boxes for electric vehicles face challenges in securely preventing the accidental or malicious disconnection of charging plugs without requiring complex mechanical and electronic designs, especially when using standard sockets and plugs.
Innovation Solution
A junction box design featuring a cover with a passage smaller than the plug's exterior dimension, allowing it to swivel or translate, and a locking mechanism to maintain the cover in a covering position, ensuring the plug is secured and protected from dirt and moisture, while using standard sockets and plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the socket to prevent unwanted disconnection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as an intermediary element that provides locking functionality without modifying the socket or plug. The cover's passage dimensions create a mechanical constraint that prevents disconnection, while the cover itself remains a simple, separate component that can be easily manufactured and installed.
2Reliability
If a biometrical sensor and actuator are added to the plug for secure connection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the socket and plug components and relocated to the cover. This allows standard sockets and plugs to be used without any electronic components, while the cover provides the necessary security through its mechanical design with appropriately dimensioned passage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover completely seals the opening to protect against dirt and moisture, then protection improves, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be movable between a covering position that provides protection and an opened position that provides access. The dynamic nature of the cover allows it to fulfill both protective and operational requirements, switching between states as needed.
4Ease of operation
If a passage is created in the cover for cable access, then ease of operation improves, but protection against dirt and moisture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The passage in the cover has specific dimensional characteristics - its largest interior dimension is smaller than the smallest exterior dimension of the plug. This local quality of the passage allows cable penetration while preventing plug passage, providing selective access that maintains protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A junction box is provided comprising a housing, a socket arranged in the housing for plugging in the plug of a cable, and a cover movably mounted on the housing and covering an opening of the housing in a covering position. A charging socket for an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, and a method for operating a junction box are also provided.