Dummy Plug Receptacle for Secure Charging Cable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging systems for electric vehicles lack an efficient and cost-effective method for temporarily storing and securing the charging cable when not in use, leading to potential damage and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A charging station or electric vehicle equipped with a 'dummy' plug receptacle that serves as a secure, non-electrically active storage solution for the charging plug, featuring a presence sensor and a locking mechanism to control access and usage, ensuring safe and defined storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charging cable is provided separately or connected to the charging station, then charging operation is enabled, but the charging cable cannot be temporarily stored or accommodated when not in charging mode
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug is nested within the plug receptacle when not in use, with the plug receptacle forming an opening in the housing into which the charging connector can be lowered. This nesting approach allows the charging cable to be accommodated within the device structure, eliminating the need for separate storage solutions and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug receptacle is pre-configured with a complementary plug-in contour and locking mechanism ready to receive the charging plug. The presence sensor and lock are pre-installed to automatically detect and secure the plug when inserted, enabling immediate storage without additional setup steps and maintaining operational convenience.
2Reliability
If a plug receptacle is provided for storing the charging plug, then safe and defined storage is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug receptacle design merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical storage for the charging plug, incorporates a presence sensor to detect plug insertion, and integrates a locking mechanism to secure the plug. This combination achieves reliable safe storage while minimizing structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug receptacle serves multiple purposes: it acts as a storage compartment for the charging plug, a detection zone for the presence sensor, and a locking chamber for the securing mechanism. This multi-functionality ensures reliable storage while avoiding the addition of separate dedicated components, thereby controlling structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a lock is added to control access to the charging plug, then unauthorized use is prevented, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the charging plug is inserted into the plug receptacle and automatically disengage when the plug is removed. The presence sensor detects plug insertion and triggers the lock to secure the plug without user intervention. This self-service approach provides reliable access control while minimizing complexity by eliminating the need for manual locking operations or complex control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If the plug receptacle is designed as a dummy receptacle without electrical contacts, then cost and structural simplicity are improved, but power transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is segmented into two distinct components: the plug receptacle with dummy contacts for mechanical storage and alignment, and the separate charging socket with electrical contacts for power transmission. This segmentation allows the plug receptacle to be manufactured simply without expensive electrical contacts, while power transmission functionality is preserved through the dedicated charging socket that remains connected to the power grid.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (2), in particular a charging station or an electric vehicle, is described, comprising a charging cable (6) which has a charging plug (8) at its end for electrical connection for charging operation, and a plug receptacle (10) into which the charging plug (8) can be inserted in a plugging direction (S) for storing the charging plug (8), wherein the plug receptacle (10) is designed as a dummy receptacle for the charging plug (8). Furthermore, an assembly (30) is described, comprising a plug receptacle (10) and a locking mechanism (28) for a device (2). A method for operating such a device (2) is also described.