Magnetic Latching for Electric Vehicle Charging Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual method of connecting a charging cable to an electric vehicle requires significant manual dexterity and force, making it inconvenient and time-consuming, and existing automatic solutions are costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latching system that automatically aligns and secures a power source connector to a power receiver connector using magnetic alignment features, allowing for easy connection and disconnection with minimal manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection method is used, then connection can be made, but significant manual force and dexterity are required making it inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in both the connector and receptacle create automatic alignment and attraction forces that guide the connector into place without requiring manual dexterity or significant force application by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment features enable the connector to self-align and self-engage with the receptacle. The magnetic attraction automatically guides the connector into the correct position and maintains connection, eliminating the need for precise manual placement and reducing connection time.
2Reliability
If SAE J1772 connector system is used, then safety protection is provided, but precise mechanical placement and substantial force are required making automatic connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the precise mechanical placement requirement with a magnetic field guidance system. The magnets create attraction forces that automatically guide the connector into the correct position, enabling automated connection systems while maintaining the safety features of the J1772 connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the connector and receptacle, providing guidance and alignment forces that facilitate automated connection. This intermediate magnetic interaction enables automation while the mechanical connector structure maintains safety protection.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic alignment features are used, then automatic alignment and connection are enabled, but connector structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into two separate components with magnetic alignment features: the connector and the receptacle. Each component has its own magnetic alignment features, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly while enabling automatic alignment when connected. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to a single complex automated mechanism.
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 magnetic latching system simplifies the charging process by enabling automatic and efficient connection of electric vehicles, reducing the need for manual force and improving reliability compared to previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A charging port system includes a magnetic alignment feature associated with a power receiver connector. The magnetic alignment feature magnetically attaches a power source connector to the power receiver connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for magnetically latching a charging port to an electric vehicle by first positioning a power receiver connector installed on the electric vehicle near a power source connector. The power source connector that is allowed to move around in three dimensional space, facilitating the alignment of the power source connector with the power receiver connector using a magnetic force. The magnetic forces also use to latch the power source connector to the power receiver connector. At this point, contacts included in the two connectors are engaged in order to provide a temporary conductive charging path.