Electric Vehicle Battery Locking Apparatus with Solenoid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery unit mounting devices for electric vehicles require excessive time and labor for locking and unlocking the battery unit to and from the vehicle body, particularly when using bolts as locking members, and there is a risk of unintended release due to the design of known locking devices.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus for electric vehicles that includes a striker, a locking apparatus body with a latch and pawl mechanism, and a pin device, where the latch is rotatably supported by a first rocking shaft and the pawl by a second rocking shaft, with a solenoid and pin device control mechanism to securely lock and unlock the battery unit, preventing unintended release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bolt is used as the locking member, then the battery unit can be securely locked to the vehicle body, but it takes more time and labor for mounting and removing the battery unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bolt-based mechanical locking system with an electrically actuated locking mechanism. The locking member is moved between locked and unlocked positions by a motor-driven screw mechanism, eliminating the need for manual bolt manipulation while maintaining secure locking. This substitution reduces the time and labor required for mounting and removing battery units while preserving locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the locking member with the locking groove without requiring manual intervention. The motor-driven system autonomously performs the locking and unlocking operations, reducing the labor and time required for battery unit installation and removal while ensuring consistent locking reliability.
2Device complexity
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of unintended release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controlled locking mechanism where the locking member can be actively positioned between locked and unlocked states through motor actuation. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain a secure locked state with positive engagement while enabling controlled release only when electrically actuated, preventing unintended release while avoiding the complexity of multiple passive mechanical locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates detection means that monitor the position and engagement state of the locking member with the locking groove. This feedback system ensures that the battery unit is properly locked before allowing operation and prevents unintended release by detecting improper engagement states, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
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 enables efficient and reliable locking and unlocking of the battery unit, reducing operational time and labor while ensuring secure engagement and preventing accidental release, thus improving the ease and reliability of battery unit mounting and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid and pin device control mechanism to securely lock and unlock the battery unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker (9), a locking apparatus body (5, 50). The locking apparatus body (5, 50) is used for locking and releasing the striker (9). The locking apparatus body (5, 50) includes a housing (13), a first rocking shaft (21), a latch (15) and a pawl (17, 18). The housing (13) includes a recess (13B) for receiving the striker (9). The first rocking shaft (21) is disposed in the housing (13) and has a first axis (O1). The latch (15) is supported by the first rocking shaft (21) so as to be rotatable relative to the housing around the first axis (21) between a locking position in which the latch locks the striker (9) in the recess (13B) and a releasing position in which the latch releases the striker (9) in the recess (13B). The pawl (17, 18) is used for locking the latch. The locking apparatus body (5, 50) locks the striker when moving housing to the striker and is operable in the housing.