Dual-Cap EV Charging Connector With Simultaneous Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power receiving connectors for electric vehicles require separate operations to open caps for normal and quick charging, which is inefficient and not in line with established standards.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a housing that supports two pivotable caps, each with a lock, where the second lock's power transmission portion rotates the first lock to simultaneously open both caps during quick charging, aligning with charging standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operations are used to open caps for normal and quick charging, then each cap can be controlled independently, but the operational efficiency deteriorates and workability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the opening operations of the first cap and second cap into a single integrated operation. The power transmission portion mechanically links the first lock and second lock, so that rotating one lock simultaneously opens both caps. This merging of operations directly resolves the technical contradiction by improving ease of operation while eliminating the time loss associated with separate cap opening actions.
2Productivity
If a power transmission portion is added to transmit rotational force between locks, then simultaneous opening of both caps is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lock mechanism into modular components: the first lock, the second lock, and the power transmission portion. Each component has a specific function, and they are connected through simple mechanical interfaces. This segmentation allows the complex function of simultaneous cap opening to be achieved through relatively simple, well-defined parts, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission portion acts as an intermediary element between the first lock and second lock. It receives rotational force from one lock and transmits it to the other lock, enabling coordinated operation without requiring a completely integrated complex mechanism. This intermediary approach achieves simultaneous cap opening (improving productivity) while maintaining manageable device complexity through a clear functional separation.
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 design allows simultaneous opening of both caps during quick charging, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with charging standards, thus improving workability.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission portion configured to transmit a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the second lock to the first lock as a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the first lock
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing having a first connection portion and a second connection portion adjacent to the first connection portion, a first cap and a second cap pivotally supported by the housing respectively to be displaceable between an open position where the first and second connection portions are exposed to outside and a closed position where the first and second connection portions are shielded from the outside, a first lock and a second lock rotatably supported by the housing configured to lock the first cap and the second cap respectively. The second lock has a power transmission portion configured to transmit a rotational force in a lock releasing direction of the second lock to the first lock such that the first cap and the second cap are integrally displaced to the open position.