Pivoting Curb Charging Socket With Sealed Automatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curb and paving stone charging devices for electric vehicles are prone to unauthorized use, soiling, water ingress, mechanical damage, and user safety hazards due to manual operation and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A curb or paving stone charging device with an integrated charging socket and pivoting cover mechanism, actuated by an electrically controlled actuator, featuring a friction wheel and pivot joint, which prevents manual contact and ensures reliable sealing against dirt and water ingress, while allowing one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of the cover element is used to open the charging socket, then the device structure remains simple, but user safety is compromised due to risk of finger entrapment and soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electrically actuated system. An actuator (electric motor) is integrated into the receiving space to automatically open and close the pivoting part, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the cover element and thereby preventing finger entrapment and soiling while maintaining structural simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device performs self-service by automatically opening the cover element through the integrated actuator when charging is required, without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously manages the opening and closing of the pivoting part, ensuring safety and hygiene while reducing operational complexity for the user.
2Ease of operation
If the charging socket is exposed in public spaces, then accessibility is improved, but unauthorized use and vandalism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging socket is integrated into a dynamically controllable pivoting part that can rotate between closed and open positions. The cover element is automatically opened only when charging is required and closed when not in use, providing controlled accessibility that prevents unauthorized use and vandalism while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting part with cover element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the charging socket and the public environment. It acts as a protective barrier that can be selectively opened to allow authorized charging while preventing unauthorized access and exposure to harmful factors such as vandalism and environmental damage.
3Ease of operation
If the pivoting part is frequently opened and closed, then charging accessibility is maintained, but mechanical wear and water ingress risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces frequent manual mechanical operations with an electrically actuated system that provides controlled, precise movement of the pivoting part. The actuator opens and closes the cover element in a regulated manner, reducing mechanical stress and wear compared to frequent manual operations, while maintaining charging accessibility. The electrical actuation also enables better sealing control during the opening/closing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealing elements (flexible seals) between the pivoting part and the receiving space to prevent water ingress during frequent opening and closing operations. These flexible sealing components accommodate the dynamic movement of the pivoting part while maintaining effective sealing, thereby protecting the charging infrastructure from water damage and extending mechanical durability.
4Area of stationary object
If the charging socket is integrated into the curb, then sidewalk space is optimized, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is segmented into modular components: a receiving space unit, a pivoting part with cover element, and an integrated actuator. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled into the curb structure, reducing overall installation complexity while optimizing sidewalk space utilization. The modular design enables easier maintenance and replacement of individual components.
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 user safety, reduced maintenance needs, and increased reliability by preventing mechanical damage and unauthorized use, while maintaining a clean and functional charging interface.
Implementation Method 1
at least one friction wheel which can be driven by the electrical actuator and which acts forcefully on the pivoting part with a view to rotating the pivoting part about the pivot joint
Data Source
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AI summary
A curbstone, paving stone or kerbstone charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) is provided, comprising a curbstone, paving stone or kerbstone unit (34) in which an inner receiving space (38) is formed, which is delimited by walls (37), wherein an opening (54) is formed in one of the walls (37), a charging socket (24), and a pivoting part (58) to which the charging socket (24) is fastened, and which has a cover element (60) via which the opening (54) in the wall (37) can be closed, wherein the pivoting part (58) is connected via a pivot joint (56) to the wall (37) in which the opening (54) is formed, so that by moving the pivoting part (58), the charging socket (24) can be extended from the receiving space (38) from the position of the cover element (60) closing the opening (54). is known.In order to make this as robust as possible and yet be able to operate it automatically, it is proposed that an electrically controllable actuator (88) is arranged in the receiving space (38), via which at least one friction wheel (104) can be driven, which acts force-lockingly on the pivoting part (58) to rotate the pivoting part (58), so that the pivoting part (58) can be rotated with the charging socket (24).