EV Charging Port Cover Mechanism for Automated Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require manual intervention for opening and closing the charging port cover, making the charging process inconvenient and difficult to automate.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging apparatus with a charging port opening-closing part that includes a movable part connected to a docking area, allowing for automated opening and closing of the charging port cover through a movable part that rotates and linearly moves to engage with the charging cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a charging robot is used to connect the charger to the charging port, then the connection process is automated, but the charging port cover still requires manual opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging port cover opening/closing function with the charging robot system. The movable part of the charging port opening-closing part is integrated with the charging robot's docking area, allowing the robot to automatically open the cover as part of the charging connection process, eliminating separate manual cover operation
Solution Approach 2:
The charging port opening-closing part uses an elastic member (spring) to automatically return the movable part to its initial position after being pushed by the docking area. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving automation through passive mechanical recovery
2Device complexity
If the charging port cover is manually operated, then the structure remains simple, but the charging process cannot be fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static charging port cover into a dynamic system with a movable part that can automatically change position. The movable part transitions between a first position (covering the port) and a second position (open), driven by the interaction between the docking area and elastic member, enabling automated operation while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the docking area and the movable part. It stores and releases mechanical energy to drive the movable part's motion, serving as a simple yet effective mediator that converts the docking area's movement into automated cover opening/closing action
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging apparatus includes an electric vehicle charging part including a docking area that connects to a charging port of an electric vehicle, and a charging port opening-closing part that is mounted on the electric vehicle charging part.