EV Charger Locking Mechanism for Voltage Loss Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems are complex and costly due to the need for mechanical and electrical components, which increases production costs and can result in the male plug becoming trapped during voltage loss, preventing safe unplugging and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electrical power circuit connection system with a mechanical locking device that uses a movable lock and lever for locking and unlocking, requiring minimal electronic inputs and outputs, ensuring safe operation and preventing plug trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical locking systems with key cylinders are used, then security and theft prevention are improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the key cylinder and associated complex electromechanical components from the locking system. The solution uses a simple electromagnetic lock that can be controlled remotely or automatically, removing the need for physical keys and complex mechanical locking mechanisms while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical key cylinder system with an electromagnetic locking mechanism. The electromagnetic lock can be actuated electrically and controlled through electronic systems, eliminating the need for mechanical key operations and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving security.
2Reliability
If electromechanical locking systems are used, then locking reliability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simpler electromagnetic locking mechanism that can be manufactured more economically compared to complex electromechanical systems with key cylinders. The design uses readily available electromagnetic components and simplified control circuits, reducing production costs while maintaining adequate locking reliability for the application.
3Reliability
If complex electromechanical locking devices are used, then security is improved, but electronic board space and input/output requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex electronic control requirements from the locking system by using a straightforward electromagnetic lock with simple control signals. The system eliminates the need for multiple inputs and outputs associated with key cylinder detection, position sensing, and complex state management, thereby reducing electronic board complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic locking mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions through a single control interface, including locking, unlocking, and status indication, which can be managed through simplified electronic control logic. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control circuits and I/O requirements on the electronic board.
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 provides a robust, cost-effective, and safe locking mechanism that allows for easy plug insertion and removal, ensuring the electric vehicle is not left stranded in case of voltage loss, while minimizing electronic board space and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device comprises at least one spring configured to elastically return the lock from its second position to its first position
Data Source
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AI summary
This electrical power circuit connection system (100) includes a male plug (15) and a female plug (12) capable of transmitting an electrical current when the male plug is inserted into the female plug. The system also includes an electrical communication circuit between the male and female plugs and a locking device (2) switchable between a first locking configuration of the male plug in the female plug and a second release configuration of the male plug. The locking device includes a latch movable between a first position, corresponding to the first locking configuration, and a second position, corresponding to the second release configuration. The locking device also includes a lever (6) for controlling the latch, movable between a first position and a second position.The locking device finally includes a first switch (24) of the communication circuit, configured to switch between a closed circuit configuration and an open circuit configuration depending on the position of the lock, and a second switch (26) of the communication circuit, configured to switch between a closed circuit configuration and an open circuit configuration depending on the position of the control lever.