Motor-Driven Lock Bar for EV Charging Connector Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems face security issues due to the risk of unauthorized removal or theft of charging connectors, as vehicles are often left unattended during charging, and households lack quick charging infrastructure, leading to prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for the connector receptacle that uses a motor-driven lock bar and hook mechanism, integrated with an electronic key system for authentication, to securely interlock the charging connector with the vehicle's inlet, preventing unauthorized removal and ensuring secure charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unauthorized removal of the charging connector, then security against theft and unauthorized use is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the connector receptacle structure. The lock bar is housed inside the receptacle body, with only the necessary engagement portions exposed. The motor is integrated into the receptacle housing, and the transmission mechanism is contained within the lock bar assembly. This nesting approach provides security functionality while minimizing external complexity and maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock bar serves multiple functions: it mechanically locks the charging connector in place, provides a interface for electronic key authentication, and can be actuated by both motor-driven and manual mechanisms. The connector receptacle itself serves as both the electrical connection interface and the housing for the locking mechanism, combining security and electrical functions in a single component.
2Reliability
If a motor-driven lock bar with electronic key authentication is implemented, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic key authentication system operates automatically without requiring manual intervention. When a charging connector is inserted, the system automatically detects the electronic key, verifies authentication credentials, and actuates the lock bar to secure the connection. Similarly, during disconnection, the system automatically releases the lock bar when the charging process is complete or when the electronic key is removed, eliminating the need for manual locking or unlocking operations.
3Reliability
If the lock bar is designed to engage with the charging connector hook, then prevention of unauthorized removal is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar features an asymmetric engagement geometry where the locking surface is positioned at an angle relative to the connector hook. This asymmetric design creates a mechanical interference fit that prevents accidental disengagement while allowing controlled actuation through the motor-driven mechanism. The angled engagement surface distributes contact forces more effectively, reducing sensitivity to dimensional variations in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a gradual engagement sequence where the lock bar first makes preliminary contact with the connector hook at a less critical position, then progressively engages the primary locking surface. This staged engagement tolerates minor manufacturing variations and alignment errors, preventing binding or jamming that would occur with a single-point engagement design.
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 locking device effectively prevents theft and unauthorized use of the charging connector by maintaining a locked state until proper authentication is established, enhancing security and reducing the risk of electricity theft, while allowing authorized removal when the charging is complete.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (22) that serves as a drive unit and is arranged in the connector receptacle (20)
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A locking device that prevents unauthorized removal of a charging connector from a connector receptacle of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The locking device is for arrangement in the connector receptacle, which is connected to the charging connector that charges a battery, to interlock the connector receptacle and the charging connector. The locking device includes a notch engageable with a hook arranged in the charging connector. A lock bar is movable between a lock position, at which the lock bar restricts movement of the hook and keeps the hook and lock bar engaged, and an unlock position, at which the lock bar moves away from the hook and permits movement of the hook. A drive unit generates drive force for moving the lock bar from the unlock position to the lock position.