EV Charging Cable Reel Brake Mechanism for Secure Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for safe and efficient charging of electric and hybrid electric vehicles requires improved cable management and secure connection systems in charging stations to prevent accidental disconnection and unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a retractable power conduit and a cable reel assembly that includes a brake mechanism to selectively lock the power conduit, preventing extension and retraction when connected to an electric vehicle, and locking in the retracted position when not authorized for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the power conduit is made retractable to improve cable management and reduce clutter, then the charging station appearance and organization are improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conduit transitions from a static fixed cable to a dynamic retractable cable that can extend and retract based on operational needs. The cable reel assembly allows the conduit to be pulled out for charging and automatically retracts when not in use, providing both good cable management and reliable connection through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically locking the power conduit in the extended position before charging begins and locking it in the retracted position after charging completes. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental disconnection during the charging process while maintaining neat cable storage when not in use.
2Shape
If the power conduit is made retractable to reduce clutter and improve installation neatness, then the charging station organization is improved, but unauthorized use cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locking actions at key moments: locking the power conduit in the extended position before charging begins and locking it in the retracted position after charging completes. This preliminary locking prevents unauthorized use by ensuring the cable cannot be extended without proper authorization, while still allowing neat cable management when retracted and locked.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a brake mechanism is added to lock the power conduit to prevent unauthorized use, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the cable reel assembly rather than being integrated into the main charging control system. This modular approach allows the brake mechanism to be added for security purposes while keeping the rest of the charging system simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple control system that automatically engages the brake to lock the power conduit in place. The system provides self-service security by automatically locking the cable in the retracted position after charging completes, preventing unauthorized use without requiring complex manual intervention or monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device for use with a power storage device includes a housing, a power conduit configured to deliver current to the power storage device, and a cable reel assembly coupled to the housing and to the power conduit. The cable reel assembly is configured to permit extension of a portion of said power conduit from said housing and to retract the portion of said power conduit into said housing.