EV Charging Socket Retaining Element for Universal Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging sockets for electric vehicles are complex in design and costly to manufacture, lacking a universal locking mechanism that can accommodate various locking units.
Innovation Solution
A charging socket with a plastic housing featuring a cylindrical inner section and circumferential flange, equipped with a retaining element and locking unit that allows for easy mounting of different locking units, utilizing a locking pin mechanism to secure the charging connector during charging and facilitate easy removal when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in the charging socket to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed as a universal mounting base that can accommodate different types of locking units (cam lock, bayonet lock, screw lock, etc.). This allows the charging socket to provide reliable connection through various locking mechanisms while maintaining a simple, standardized structure that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a separate locking unit that can be independently selected and mounted on the retaining element. This separation allows the basic socket structure to remain simple while providing reliable locking through the attached unit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If the charging socket is designed with a specific locking unit, then locking reliability is improved, but adaptability to different locking units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element serves as a universal mounting platform with standardized features (threaded holes, through-holes for locking pins) that can accommodate multiple types of locking units. This design provides both locking reliability through secure attachment and adaptability to different locking unit designs from various manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary between the charging socket housing and the locking unit. It provides a standardized interface that mediates between the socket structure and various locking unit designs, enabling both reliable locking and broad compatibility without requiring the socket housing itself to be complex.
3Reliability
If a locking unit is mounted on the charging socket, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is segmented as a separate, independently manufacturable component that is mounted on the retaining element. This allows manufacturers to produce the basic socket and retaining element through simple injection molding, then attach the locking unit separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized retaining element with universal mounting features allows the same base component to be used with different locking units, enabling economies of scale in manufacturing the retaining element itself while allowing customization of the locking unit based on specific security requirements and cost considerations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging socket (1) for receiving a charging connector and for installation in an electric vehicle or in a power supply unit for an electric vehicle, wherein the charging socket (1) has a retaining element (2) on which a locking unit (8) for fixing the charging connector during the charging process can be mounted, and wherein the retaining element (2) can be locked onto the charging socket (1).