EV Charger Housing with Configurable Power Cord Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging stations are difficult to install and adapt to various electrical installations, lacking flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The electric vehicle charging apparatus provides two user-selectable configuration options, 'outside mount' and 'rear mount', utilizing a common housing and power cord configuration that allows for easy installation without reconfiguring gaskets or seals, enabling the power cord to be either external or internal, thus simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed electrical installation configuration is used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simplified, but the adaptability to various electrical architectures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power cord is designed with a retractable mechanism that allows it to dynamically extend or retract based on the electrical connection type. This enables the same housing to adapt between hardwired and receptacle configurations without requiring separate models, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and installation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with universal mounting features and a common electrical passage that can accommodate both hardwired and receptacle configurations. The single housing design with configurable power cord options provides multi-functionality, allowing the same base unit to serve different electrical installation needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configuration options are provided, then the adaptability to various electrical architectures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components: a common housing, a shared power cord assembly, and interchangeable connection elements (hardwired terminals vs. receptacle). This segmentation allows different configuration options without requiring complete redesign of the housing, reducing the complexity increase that would normally accompany multiple configuration options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power cord is made retractable, then the flexibility of electrical connection options is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power cord length is made variable through a retractable mechanism that changes the effective length parameter based on configuration needs. This parameter change capability provides flexibility in electrical connection options while using well-established retractable cord technology that maintains reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a front cavity, rear cavity, and a separating wall having a common electrical passage, wherein the rear cavity is formed by sidewalls with one sidewall having a slot formed therein. A power cord passes through the common electrical passage in the separating wall, and the power cord is configurable to provide a number of electrical connection options, such as an "outside cord option" and a "rear mount option." Methods of configuring the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.