EV Charge Port Projection Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to prevent unauthorized disengagement of the electrical plug from the charge port on electric vehicles during charging, which can lead to theft of the charging cord and unauthorized access to electric power.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an actuator and at least one projection that can be extended to a locked position to secure the plug to the charge port, preventing disengagement, and retracted to an unlocked position to allow disengagement, using a latching mechanism and authorization control to manage the locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to prevent disengagement, then security against theft and unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into modular components: a projection element that extends from the charge port, an actuator mechanism separate from the charging connection, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the charge port and the plug. Rather than directly locking the entire connector assembly, the projection extends to engage with a corresponding feature on the plug, providing security through this intermediate component.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic locking system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is configured to automatically extend the projection to the locked position when the plug is inserted into the charge port. The system self-activates based on the mechanical insertion action, eliminating the need for separate user activation while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action occurs automatically during the plug insertion process itself. The projection extends to engage the plug before the charging connection is fully established, ensuring security is established in advance of the charging operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for preventing disengagement between an electrical plug and a charge port on an electric vehicle. One or more projections are disposed on the electric vehicle. The projection has an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position. An actuator selectively extends and retracts the projection between the locked and unlocked positions. When the projection is in the locked position, the projection engages the plug and prevents disengagement of the plug and the port.