Connector Actuation Carriage With Three-Point Guide Resetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector actuation devices lack enhanced movement properties and resetting capabilities, particularly in unstable contact situations such as those encountered during charging of electric vehicles, which limits their effectiveness and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a guide structure featuring a carriage device supported by a sliding structure with three sliding portions, a pivot unit allowing movement in multiple axes, and a resetting unit using gas springs to maintain the arm in its initial position, enabling stable motion and force introduction along guide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sliding structure with fewer contact points is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bearing capability and stability during motion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding structure is segmented into three distinct sliding portions (upper, lower, and lateral) that contact different surfaces of the guide rail. This segmentation allows each portion to independently bear loads in specific directions, collectively providing comprehensive support and enhanced stability during carriage device motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding structure extends into three-dimensional space by adding lateral sliding portions that contact lateral guide surfaces, in addition to upper and lower portions. This dimensional expansion enables the structure to resist forces from multiple directions simultaneously, significantly improving bearing capability beyond conventional two-dimensional sliding designs.
2Reliability
If the arm is allowed to move freely during contact situations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during unstable contact situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting unit dynamically adjusts the resetting force parameter based on the arm's position and contact conditions. By varying the force magnitude and direction, the system maintains optimal contact stability during unstable situations while preserving sufficient movement freedom during normal operation, adapting to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The resetting unit provides continuous feedback control to the arm's position by applying corrective forces when deviations occur during contact situations. This feedback mechanism detects unstable contact conditions and automatically adjusts the arm's positioning to maintain stability, preventing excessive movement while preserving operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If the resetting force is applied intermittently, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to maintain the arm in initial position during unstable contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting unit operates continuously to maintain the arm in its initial position, providing uninterrupted resetting force throughout the operational cycle. This continuous action ensures that the arm remains properly positioned during unstable contact situations without energy-intensive intermittent corrections, maintaining stability through constant gentle guidance.
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
The solution provides enhanced bearing and resetting capabilities, allowing for stable motion and extended lifespan by ensuring the arm remains in its initial position through continuous resetting force, effectively addressing the limitations of existing devices in handling angular misalignment and rocking contact situations.
Implementation Method 1
The resetting unit comprises at least one gas spring which is arranged such that a resetting force is applicable of the arm in order to maintain the arm in its initial position
Implementation Method 2
The sliding structure comprises at least three sliding portions, wherein an upper sliding portion of said sliding portions is in contact with the upper guide surface, a lower sliding portion of said sliding portions is in contact with the lower guide surface and a lateral sliding portion of said sliding portions is in contact with the lateral guide surface
Data Source
AI summary
Actuation device for a connector having a guide structure with at least one guide rail extending along a rail axis, and a carriage device with a support element, at least one sliding structure that is mounted to the support element, a pivot unit that is mounted to the support element and an arm that is mounted to the pivot unit such that the arm is supported pivotable relative to the support element by means of the pivot unit. The carriage device is beared on the at least one guide rail by the at least one sliding structure. The carrier device is moveable between an initial position and a connection position. The at least one guide rail has an upper guide surface, a lower guide surface and a lateral guide surface. The at least one sliding structure has at least three wheels.