EV Charging Coupler With Trunk Locking Against Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roving robot chargers for electric vehicles face connection issues due to the need for manipulators, which can be cumbersome and prone to theft, and existing solutions to prevent theft may void manufacturer warranties.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with an electric nozzle and insulated flexible conduit connecting to an electrical interface, secured by a trunk securement that locks within the vehicle's trunk, inhibiting removal when the trunk is closed, and adjustable to accommodate different robot chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manipulator is used to connect the robot charger to the vehicle charging port, then the robot can reach the charging interface, but the connection becomes cumbersome and the manipulator is prone to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging interface from the vehicle body and relocates it to a coupler that is stored within the vehicle's trunk. The coupler includes the charging port and necessary wiring harness, separating these components from the vehicle's permanent structure. This allows the charging interface to be securely stored when not in use and easily deployed when needed, eliminating the need for external manipulators while preventing theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is nested within the vehicle's trunk, with the charging interface and wiring harness stored inside the trunk space. The coupler can be deployed from the trunk and positioned near the vehicle's charging port area. This nesting approach secures the charging components within the vehicle's protected space while allowing easy access when needed, eliminating vulnerable external manipulators.
2Ease of operation
If the coupler is externally mounted on the vehicle, then the robot charger can easily access it, but the coupler becomes vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is nested within the vehicle's trunk rather than being externally mounted. The trunk provides physical protection and security for the charging components while the coupler can be deployed from the trunk and positioned near the charging port area. This nested configuration maintains easy access for charging operations while eliminating theft vulnerability by keeping components inside the secured trunk space.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging interface is extracted from the vehicle's permanent structure and placed in a removable coupler that is stored within the trunk. This extraction allows the charging components to be securely stored when not in use and easily deployed when needed, providing both security against theft and ease of access for charging operations.
3Ease of operation
If a manipulator is used to reach the charging interface, then connection is possible, but the robot becomes encumbered during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is extracted from the vehicle body and placed in a coupler stored within the trunk. This eliminates the need for the robot to use manipulators to reach distant or difficult-to-access charging ports. The coupler is positioned within easy reach of the robot's charging interface, simplifying the robot's structure by removing the need for complex manipulators while maintaining connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for enabling a roving robot charger to charge an electric vehicle, comprising an electric nozzle adapted for electrical coupling to the charging port of the electric vehicle and an insulated flexible electrical conduit extending from the electric nozzle to an electrical interface. The electrical conduit couples the electrical nozzle in electrical communication with the electrical interface. The electrical interface is carried by a trunk securement having a first portion removably lockably securable within a trunk of the electric vehicle and a second portion supporting the electrical interface outside of the trunk. The trunk securement is configured to inhibit removal of the coupler from the electric vehicle when the trunk thereof is closed.