Electrified Vehicle Cable Management Assembly with Selective Electromagnet Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicle charging cables often suffer from slack management and theft prevention issues, as existing solutions fail to securely attach and manage the cables during charging, leading to potential damage and unauthorized detachment.
Innovation Solution
A cable management assembly featuring a selectively activated electromagnet, battery, control module, and user interface or transceiver for secure attachment and detachment, which elevates the cable above the ground and requires a recognized input for deactivation, preventing unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnet is used to attach the cable management structure to the vehicle exterior, then the attachment security is improved, but the risk of unauthorized detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (latches, clips, or fasteners) with an electromagnet-based attachment system. The electromagnet uses magnetic force to securely attach the cable management structure to the vehicle exterior, providing reliable attachment while enabling controlled detachment through electrical control. This substitution allows for integrated security features through the control module that monitors and controls electromagnet activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the attachment state and controls electromagnet activation accordingly. The system receives inputs from various sensors and user interfaces, processes this information, and adjusts the electromagnet's operation to maintain secure attachment while preventing unauthorized detachment. The feedback loop ensures the attachment state is continuously monitored and maintained.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is elevated above the ground, then protection from damage is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electromagnet to replace complex mechanical attachment mechanisms, thereby elevating the cable management structure above the ground to protect the cable from damage. The electromagnet provides a simpler, more reliable attachment method that requires fewer mechanical components while achieving the same protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it attaches the cable management structure to the vehicle, elevates it for cable protection, and provides a basis for integrated security control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while achieving cable protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a control module with recognized input is implemented, then theft prevention is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module uses feedback from recognized inputs (such as key fob signals, mobile app commands, or biometric authentication) to control electromagnet activation. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authorized users can detach the cable management structure, providing theft prevention while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users through automated recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality where the control module automatically recognizes authorized users and controls the electromagnet accordingly. Authorized users can detach the structure by providing simple recognition input, while the system automatically manages the electromagnet activation, reducing the operational burden on users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the electromagnet is selectively activated and deactivated, then the adaptability of the cable management assembly is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is activated periodically or continuously only when needed for attachment, rather than remaining constantly active. The control module manages the electromagnet's operation based on detected conditions and user inputs, activating it when attachment is required and deactivating it when not needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining attachment control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electromagnet's activation state based on real-time conditions, user inputs, and detected environmental factors. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different situations (charging, traveling, parked) and optimize energy consumption by activating the electromagnet only when attachment is actually required.
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 effectively manages cable slack, protects the cable from damage, and provides theft prevention by ensuring the cable management assembly can only be deactivated with a recognized input, offering enhanced security and convenience during extended charging periods.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to attach the cable management structure to an exterior of the electrified vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management assembly configured for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cable management structure, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to attach the cable management structure to an exterior of the electrified vehicle. A theft prevention feature and a method are also disclosed.