Concealed EV Charging Assembly With Extendible On-Vehicle Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems for electrical vehicles require large installation spaces, are not concealable, and can be aesthetically detrimental to the vehicle, while also being prone to damage and electrical safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A concealed charging device for electrical vehicles, comprising a base body, an extendible member, an electricity-conducting assembly, and a driving member, which allows the charging system to be integrated into the vehicle body, such as within the rear bumper or side tread board, enabling charging without the need for external infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charging arm is expanded in a fan shape and disposed on the chassis of an electrical vehicle, then charging functionality is achieved, but a large area is necessary for installation, occupying large space and lacking concealability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidinstallation area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is nested within the vehicle body, specifically concealed in the rear bumper or side tread board. The extendible member is stored inside the base body when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure, allowing the charging functionality to be integrated without occupying additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device transitions from a static, space-consuming fan-shaped structure to a dynamic, extendible system. The extendible member can be extended outward when charging is needed and retracted into the base body when not in use, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a charging device is installed on the outside of the vehicle body in a fan shape, then charging capability is provided, but the overall aesthetics of the vehicle body is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidvehicle aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is nested within the vehicle body structure, concealed in locations such as the rear bumper or side tread board. This nesting approach allows the charging capability to be integrated without compromising the vehicle's external appearance, as the device remains hidden when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging functionality is extracted as a separate, movable component (extendible member) that can be deployed only when needed. This separation allows the main vehicle body to maintain its aesthetic integrity while still providing the necessary charging capability through the extendible component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a charging device is installed in a manner of being exposed outside the body of the electrical vehicle, then charging function is achieved, but it could be easily damaged and may cause risk of electric leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionVSAvoiddamage risk and electric leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is nested within the protective structure of the vehicle body, with the extendible member stored inside the base body. This nested configuration provides physical protection against damage and reduces exposure to environmental hazards, while still allowing the charging function to be accessed when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The extendible member is designed with buffering members that provide beforehand cushioning against potential damage during extension and retraction operations. This protective measure reduces the risk of damage to the charging components during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of charging points is small, then queuing is necessary for charging, but this wastes time and affects mileage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidcharging waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device enables preliminary charging actions to be taken while the vehicle is still moving or before reaching a charging station. By allowing charging to occur during travel through the extendible member connecting to roadside charging infrastructure, the system eliminates the need to queue at charging stations, saving time and extending effective mileage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12275321B2Concealed charging device of electrical vehicle and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 CHANG CHIA JEN

AI summary

A concealed charging device of an electrical vehicle, as well as a method thereof, is provided, including a base body arranged, in a concealed manner, in an electrical vehicle. The base body is provided with an extendible member. A driving member controls the extendible member for reciprocal movement in a longitudinal direction on the base body. The extendible member is also provided with an electricity-conducting assembly, which includes a conduction member and an electricity-conducting member. As such, to do charging, the driving member controls the extendible member to extend in the longitudinal direction and the electricity-conducting member is collaboratively operating with a charging seat to achieve electrical transmission of electricity through the electricity-conducting member and the conduction member for carrying out charging to a battery of the electrical vehicle. Further, the charging can be performed while traveling.