EV Charging Port Door Assembly Ice Removal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing door assembly for electric vehicle charging ports experiences freezing issues due to moisture ingress, making it difficult to open or close the door in winter conditions, especially when exposed to snow or rain.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly with a link bracket, crushing portion, and guide rail system that includes a slide pipe with teeth, a crusher, and an elastic portion to remove foreign materials like ice, and a rubber element to prevent moisture ingress, allowing smooth operation of the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slot is formed at the link bracket to enable door movement, then the door can be opened and closed smoothly, but moisture flows into the slot causing freezing phenomenon that prevents door operation
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber element is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the slot formed at the link bracket. This rubber element acts as a mediator between the slot (necessary for door movement) and the external environment (source of moisture). The rubber element selectively blocks moisture ingress while still allowing the slider to move along the guide rail, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling door operation and preventing freezing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slot is exposed to snow or rain during charging, then the charging port remains accessible, but freezing phenomenon occurs making it difficult to close the door
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber element serves as a protective intermediary that allows the charging port to remain accessible (maintaining adaptability) while blocking snow and rain from entering the slot (preventing freezing that would compromise reliability). The rubber element is positioned to cover the slot opening facing the external environment, creating a selective barrier.
3Reliability
If a crushing portion with rotating crusher is added to remove ice, then foreign materials can be removed when freezing occurs, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crushing portion is designed to be self-activating through the existing door movement mechanism. When the door moves, the slider's motion automatically rotates the crusher via the guide rail's teeth engagement, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems. The crusher rotates in the same direction as door opening/closing, using the existing mechanical energy to perform the ice-crushing function, thus adding minimal complexity while improving reliability.
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 effectively suppresses moisture inflow and removes ice, enabling smooth opening and closing of the charging port door even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A rubber element is attached to an exterior circumference of the slide pipe... suppressing moisture inflow into the slot
Implementation Method 2
A crusher is engaged with the teeth, and a rotation portion rotates the crusher when the door is opened or closed... foreign materials such as ice are crushed by the crusher
Implementation Method 3
An elastic portion provides elastic force to the slider when the door is opened or closed
Data Source
AI summary
A door assembly for a charging port of an electric vehicle includes a housing accommodating the charging port and a door connected to one side of the housing. A link bracket is mounted inside the door, and a link portion connects the housing with the link bracket. A crushing portion removes foreign materials being introduced in a slot formed at the link bracket.