EV Charging Socket Locking for Plug Security and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging socket units for electric vehicles lack effective mechanisms for securely locking the charging plug and protecting the socket from environmental factors such as moisture and dust, as well as unauthorized opening.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an electromotor actuator that operates two locking mechanisms: a first locking tool with a locking pin to secure the charging plug, and a second locking tool with a hook to lock the can cover of the charging socket unit, ensuring both secure operation and environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a spring-loaded flap cover is used to protect the charging socket, then the socket is partially protected from environmental factors, but the sealing is insufficient to reliably prevent moisture or dust ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent locking means: a first locking means with a locking pin for securing the charging plug, and a second locking means with a hook for securing the socket cover. Both are actuated by a single electromechanical actuator, allowing separate control of plug and cover locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket cover is locked in the closed position before charging operation to prevent unauthorized opening and environmental ingress. The locking pin is positioned to engage with the charging plug receptacle, preliminarily securing the connection before energy transfer begins.
2Reliability
If a locking pin mechanism is added to secure the charging plug, then the plug locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two locking functions (plug locking and cover locking) are merged into a single electromechanical actuator system. The actuator's output shaft drives both the locking pin and the hook through coordinated mechanical linkages, reducing the number of independent actuators and control systems needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical actuator serves multiple functions: it actuates the locking pin to secure the charging plug, actuates the hook to secure the socket cover, and can be controlled through a single interface. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding locking capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the socket cover is locked to prevent unauthorized opening, then security is improved, but the ease of operation for authorized users may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device includes a sensor that detects whether the socket cover is locked or unlocked, and this information is transmitted to a remote terminal. This feedback mechanism allows authorized users to verify the locking status and initiates can be monitored, while maintaining security against unauthorized opening.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (100) for a charging socket unit (1000), comprising: - an electromechanical actuator (110), - a first locking means (120a, 120b) actuated by means of the actuator (110) with a locking pin (121a, 121b) for locking a charging plug to a charging socket (200) of the charging socket unit (1000), and - a second locking means (130) actuated by means of the actuator (110), which is designed for locking a socket cover (300) of the charging socket unit (1000).