Combined Multipath Charger Adapter Design for Cable Clutter Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle charging systems become cluttered and inefficient when multiple cars are charged simultaneously, requiring multiple chargers, cables, and sockets, making management and space utilization challenging.

Innovation Solution

A combined multipath charger design allows multiple charger main bodies and adapters to be connected side by side, using sliding chutes, hooks, and spring-loaded mechanisms for secure docking and easy disassembly, enabling multiple vehicles to be charged with only one input wire and facilitating flexible configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple ordinary chargers are used to charge multiple cars simultaneously, then each car can be charged independently, but the charging site becomes cluttered with multiple cables and sockets, making management difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidcable management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple charger main bodies are merged into a single integrated charging system through adapters that connect multiple charging paths. The adapters enable multiple chargers to be electrically connected in parallel, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously through a unified structure rather than separate independent chargers, thereby reducing cable clutter while maintaining charging capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrical connection point for multiple chargers, provides a mechanical coupling structure for connecting charger main bodies, and enables flexible configuration of charging paths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate management of multiple independent chargers while maintaining the ability to charge multiple vehicles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If each charger is equipped with a separate socket and input line, then each charger can operate independently, but the charging site becomes messy and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharger independenceVSAvoidcharging site space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system merges multiple separate chargers into a compact arranged configuration where charger main bodies are positioned adjacent to each other and connected through adapters. This reduces the overall space required for the charging site while maintaining operational independence through the modular adapter connection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter structure enables a nested arrangement where multiple charger main bodies are closely positioned and interconnected. The adapters act as intermediate connection elements that allow chargers to be arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration while maintaining electrical and functional independence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If four ordinary chargers are used to charge four cars, then each car has dedicated charging capability, but the chargers are not easy to place and manage due to four separate sockets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging flexibilityVSAvoidcharger management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter provides universal connectivity by enabling multiple charging paths to converge at a single connection point. It allows flexible configuration of charging connections while providing a unified management interface, making it easier to manage multiple charging operations through a single adapter unit rather than four separate sockets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary device that mediates between multiple charger main bodies and the power distribution system. It provides a centralized connection point that simplifies management while maintaining the flexibility to connect to multiple vehicles, serving as a mediator that reconciles the need for both flexibility and ease of management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution simplifies the management of multiple chargers, reduces cable clutter, and optimizes space usage by allowing chargers to be freely combined and separated, making it easier to charge multiple vehicles while minimizing the need for multiple input wires.

Implementation Method 1

the lower end of the prop is fixed to the bottom of the recess by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10826258B2Combined multipath charger
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 GUANGDONG MARSHELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
  • US10826258B2 patent drawing
  • US10826258B2 patent drawing
  • US10826258B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A combined multipath charger comprises charger main bodies and adapters. An inwards-recessed first female plug is disposed at the upper end of each charger main body. An outwards-raised first male plug matching the first female plug is disposed on the lower end of each adapter, and a second male plug and a second female plug matching with each other are disposed on opposite two side surfaces of each adapter. The adapter is inserted in the first female plug of the charger main body by means of the first male plug. The second male plug and the second female plug matching with each other are disposed on the opposite two side surfaces of the adapter and multiple adapters can be connected together in an abutting manner, accordingly, multiple main bodies in which the adapters are inserted can be placed together side by side.