EV Charge Port Lockout Clip Housing for Tamper Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) lockout devices do not effectively prevent access to charge ports or charge plugs, lacking mechanisms to secure them during maintenance, repairs, or to prevent unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
The development of EV lockout devices comprising housings and clips that engage with the charge port or plug, featuring flanges, channels, and guide rails to secure a lock, ensuring the charge port or plug is locked during maintenance or when the EV charging station is disabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EV lockout devices are designed to securely lock charge ports or charge plugs, then protection against unauthorized use and tampering is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (housing, clips, flanges, channels, guide rails)
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout device is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing structure, multiple clips (first and second clips), flanges, channels, and guide rails. Each segment performs a specific function - the housing provides the base structure, clips engage with charging components, flanges provide attachment surfaces, channels guide movement, and rails ensure proper alignment. This segmentation allows the complex protective function to be achieved through coordinated simple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested structures where smaller components are contained within or attached to larger ones. The clips are mounted on the housing, the flanges extend from the housing structure, and the guide rails are integrated into the overall assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated device, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.
2Reliability
If the housing includes multiple engagement features (flanges, channels, guide rails) to securely attach to charge ports or plugs, then locking reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are segmented into distinct geometric elements (flanges, channels, rails) that can be independently formed or attached. This allows each feature to be optimized for its specific engagement function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the base for mounting clips, contains channels for guiding movement, has flanges for attachment, and incorporates guide rails for alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable locking.
3Reliability
If clips are designed to engage with both the housing and the charge port/plug to provide secure locking, then protection against removal is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to complex engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The clips act as intermediary elements that mediate between the housing and the charge port/plug. They provide the engagement function while allowing relative movement and simplifying the interaction between the stationary housing and the component being locked. This intermediary role makes the overall operation easier while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the clips to move during installation and removal operations. This dynamic capability enables easy operation - the clips can flex or move into position during installation and can be released during removal - while still providing secure static locking when engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle (EV) lockout device including a clip and a housing. The housing having a base with a front side and a back side. A first flange extends from the front side of the base and is configured to engage with an EV charge port or EV charge plug. A clip support unit extending from the back side of the base. The clip support unit including a first side plate having a first top end, a first bottom end, and a first opening disposed between the first top end and the first bottom end, and a second side plate having a second top end, a second bottom end, and a first opening disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end. The second side plate being disposed substantially parallel to the first side plate, and the second opening being substantially aligned with the first opening.