EV Charging Connector Locking for Secure Adapter Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging adapters are prone to theft due to their unlockable design, and the weight and complexity of multiple connectors pose challenges for easy insertion and extraction, especially for elderly or women users.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a main body, connector, unlocking device, and controller that uses sensors and an auxiliary drive device to ensure secure fastening and easy detachment of compatible adapters, preventing theft and simplifying the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is unlocked from the adapter to allow separation, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates leading to theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through motor-driven rotation of the locking pin, allowing the system to adapt between security and ease of operation based on charging status
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives signals from the locking mechanism's position sensor to determine whether the connector is locked or unlocked, and automatically controls the motor to maintain the appropriate state, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents theft while enabling easy separation when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors/adapters are included in the charging device, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases making operation difficult for elderly or women users
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is divided into modular components - the main body housing and multiple detachable connectors/adapters - allowing users to attach only the connector needed for the current charging standard rather than carrying all connectors simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A universal adapter interface serves as an intermediary between different charging standards, allowing a single main body to accommodate multiple connector types through standardized mounting mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple complete charging devices
3Ease of operation
If the connector and adapter are designed to be easily separated, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates allowing accidental loss or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin rotates between locked and unlocked positions based on motor actuation, dynamically adjusting the connection strength to provide secure fastening during charging while enabling easy separation when the unlocking signal is received
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven locking system that uses electromagnetic force to rotate the locking pin, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanical locks while providing reliable security
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for charging an electric vehicle according to the embodiment may include a main body with a predetermined space on one side; a connector seated in the predetermined space of the main body and having a compatible adapter mounted on the front; an unlocking device configured to unlock the connector from the compatible adapter or unlock the connector on which the compatible adapter is mounted from the main body; and a controller configured to receive a charging use signal from a user, select an unlocking target based on the charging use signal received from the user, and provide an unlocking signal for the unlocking target to the unlocking device.