EV Charging Station Membrane for Condensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging stations for electric vehicles face issues with condensation due to temperature fluctuations, which can damage electronic components, and existing solutions do not effectively manage humidity and pressure equalization.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a membrane element that allows air and water molecule exchange between the internal and external environments, combined with a floating contact element and a modular design with sealing elements, to prevent condensation and ensure the longevity of electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a tight seal is provided between the housing and cover module to protect electronic components from dust and liquid, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but condensation forms inside the housing due to temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from dust and liquidVSAvoidcondensation inside housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a membrane element (thin film) integrated into the sealing structure between the housing and cover module. This membrane allows selective permeability to water vapor while maintaining the seal, enabling humidity regulation without compromising protection from dust and liquid ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane element functions as a porous material that permits passage of air and water molecules while blocking larger particles. This porosity enables breathability of the housing interior, preventing condensation by allowing moisture exchange with the external environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If the housing is completely sealed to protect electronic components, then reliability is improved, but pressure equalization and humidity exchange are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of electronic componentsVSAvoidpressure equalization and humidity exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane element acts as an intermediary component within the sealing structure. It mediates between the need for a tight seal and the need for gas permeability, allowing pressure equalization and humidity exchange while maintaining protection against dust and liquid ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane film provides a selective barrier that maintains structural integrity for sealing while allowing molecular passage. This thin film technology enables the housing to adapt to pressure changes and exchange humidity without compromising component protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional sealing methods are used to protect the housing interior, then protection is improved, but environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental ingressVSAvoidenvironmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane element represents a modern, environmentally friendly sealing technology that replaces traditional rubber seals and gaskets. It can be applied using label technology or bonding methods, reducing material waste and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing systems with a simpler membrane-based solution. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity, eliminates the need for multiple sealing components, and enables more cost-effective production while achieving the same protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 membrane element effectively manages humidity, preventing damage from condensation and extending the service life of electronic components, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, with easy application using label technology.

Implementation Method 1

at least one membrane element designed for the exchange of air and/or water molecules between the space inside the housing and an environment located outside the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3802195B1Charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 COMPLEO CHARGING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3802195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3802195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3802195B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a charging station (1) for charging an energy accumulator of an electric vehicle, which charging station comprises a housing (2) having a space (3) inside the housing (2) for receiving electronic components, and a cover module (4) which can be connected to the housing (2) and which comprises at least one cover element (5) and/or a connection unit (6), the connection unit (6) being provided for arranging and/or connecting a charging element, in particular a charging plug or a charging socket. At least one first sealing element (7) is provided at least between the housing (2) and the cover module (4), wherein the cover module (4) and/or the housing (2) has at least one membrane element (14) which is designed to exchange air and/or water molecules between the space (3) inside the housing (2) and an environment outside the housing (2).