EV Charging Station Light Guide Assembly for Distant Status Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging stations (EVSEs) are inefficient, taking a long time to charge vehicles and are difficult to install, with limited user-friendly designs that do not provide clear status information from a distance.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging apparatus with a housing featuring a light guide assembly that displays status information through colors and flashing lights on the exterior, allowing users to view charging status from a distance, and a hinged lid for easy access and installation, along with a control panel for user interaction without electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing EVSE designs are used, then charging function is provided, but status indication is not visible from a distance and user feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide assembly acts as an intermediary between the status indicator lights and the external environment, transmitting light signals from the control panel area to the front surface of the housing where they are visible from a distance, thereby enhancing status indication visibility without requiring additional complex external lighting components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical status indication methods with optical field-based light guide technology, using light transmission through the housing material to convey status information, which provides clearer visual feedback from a distance while maintaining electrical isolation
2Ease of manufacture
If EVSEs are installed at residence, then charging capability is provided, but installation is difficult and electrical connections are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE housing is segmented into modular components including a removable rear access panel and internal mounting sections, allowing installation and maintenance activities to be performed on isolated sections without disconnecting the entire unit from electrical power or removing the complete device
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel and its electrical connections are extracted into a separate, self-contained module that can be independently accessed and serviced through the rear panel, isolating the complex electrical connection points from the main housing structure and simplifying installation procedures
3Ease of operation
If lid is opened for access, then component accessibility is improved, but electrical connections may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into electrically isolated compartments with the control panel housed in a separate section that can be accessed independently through a rear panel opening, allowing users to service control components without exposing high-voltage electrical connections that remain enclosed in the main housing
Solution Approach 2:
Low-voltage control circuitry and terminals are extracted into a separate compartment accessible through the rear panel, physically isolating them from high-voltage components and allowing safe access to control elements without the risk of electrical shock from mains-powered circuits
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
Enables rapid charging and improved user feedback with clear status indication from a distance, facilitating easier installation and operation while ensuring safety and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide assembly mounted to the body and adapted to display status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region of the light guide.