Electromagnetic Latching Assembly for EV Charge Port Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latching systems for electric vehicle charge ports and conventional fuel filler doors are often bulky, power-intensive, and lack efficient sealing mechanisms, as well as remote and wireless activation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact door latching system utilizing a ferromagnetic member, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet, integrated with a magnetic flux sensor and a spring-loaded door, which maintains the door closed without power consumption and allows remote wireless activation, along with a seal for contamination prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded latch mechanism is used to hold the door closed, then the door can be securely latched, but the system requires more power consumption and larger size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-loaded mechanical latch system with an electromagnetic latch system. The electromagnet uses electrical power to create a magnetic field that holds the door closed, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical spring pressure. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and can lower overall power consumption compared to maintaining constant spring pressure against the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic latch operates on a periodic action principle where the electromagnet is energized only when needed to secure or release the door, rather than requiring continuous power or mechanical force. The microcontroller controls the electromagnet activation based on door position sensor feedback, creating an on-demand operation cycle that reduces average power consumption.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact electromagnet and permanent magnet system is used, then the device size is reduced, but the latching force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electromagnet and a permanent magnet into a single integrated latching assembly. The permanent magnet provides a baseline magnetic field that contributes to the latching force, while the electromagnet adds supplemental magnetic force when activated. This merging of two magnetic sources creates a compact system that achieves sufficient latching force without requiring a large single magnet or electromagnet.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly uses a composite magnetic system combining electromagnetic and permanent magnetic components. This composite approach allows the system to leverage both the controllable force of the electromagnet and the constant force of the permanent magnet, achieving high latching force in a compact package through the synergistic combination of different magnetic mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal is added to prevent contamination, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible seal member, likely made of elastomeric material, that forms a simple yet effective barrier between the charge port interior and exterior environments. This flexible film-like component conforms to the mating surfaces and prevents contamination without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective sealing.
4Ease of operation
If remote wireless activation is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the system requires additional components and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary that manages the remote wireless activation process. The microcontroller receives wireless signals, processes the activation command, and controls the electromagnet accordingly. This intermediary layer enables remote operation while keeping the overall system architecture simple by using a centralized control unit that coordinates all functions rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
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 system provides a low-power, compact, and efficient door latching solution that ensures secure sealing and remote operation, reducing power consumption and enhancing user convenience while maintaining door security and contamination protection.
Implementation Method 1
a latching assembly integrated into the port housing, where the latching assembly includes an assembly case, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
The latching assembly maintains the door in a closed position when the electromagnet is not energized and releases the door when the electromagnet is energized
Implementation Method 3
a ferromagnetic member, e.g., a ferromagnetic metal or composite, attached to an interior surface of the door
Data Source
AI summary
A door latching system for the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or for the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle, is provided. The door latching system is comprised of a ferromagnetic member attached to an interior surface of the door, and a latching assembly integrated into the port housing, where the latching assembly includes an assembly case, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet that maintains the door in a closed position when the electromagnet is not energized and releases the door when the electromagnet is energized. The latching assembly may include a magnetic flux sensor that monitors when the port door is open or closed. The magnetic flux sensor may be coupled to a system controller that performs a preset response when the magnetic flux sensor determines that the door is open.