Nested EV Charging Connector with Sliding Surface

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, rain, snow, ice, mud, and dust, leading to deterioration and aerodynamic inefficiencies due to protruding guiding systems and electrical connecting devices, which also pose risks of damage and aerodynamic noise.

Innovation Solution

A connecting assembly with a first connector interface that moves between a storage position inside the vehicle and a plugging position, utilizing a sliding surface at the vehicle's bottom for secure and reliable connection, and a movable connecting head with a second connector interface at the charging station, featuring guiding and contact surfaces to facilitate electrical connection while minimizing exposure and aerodynamic disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protruding guiding systems and electrical connecting devices are used for charging connection, then the connection function is achieved, but the vehicle is exposed to outdoor conditions (rain, snow, ice, mud, dust) and aerodynamic noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidexposure to outdoor conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is nested within a recess in the vehicle bottom when not in use, protecting it from outdoor conditions. During charging, the connector protrudes from the recess to establish connection. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain protection during normal operation while enabling connection functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector transitions between a retracted position (nested in the recess) and an extended position (protruding for connection). This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt between protected state during driving and connected state during charging, resolving the contradiction between protection and connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If protruding guiding systems and electrical connecting devices are used for charging connection, then the connection function is achieved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to exposed surfaces and volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidaerodynamic noise and drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is nested within a recess in the vehicle bottom when not in use, protecting it from outdoor conditions. During charging, the connector protrudes from the recess to establish connection. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain protection during normal operation while enabling connection functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector transitions between a retracted position (nested in the recess) and an extended position (protruding for connection). This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt between protected state during driving and connected state during charging, resolving the contradiction between protection and connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the connector is always exposed for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but the connector is vulnerable to damage and deterioration from outdoor conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accessibilityVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is preliminarily positioned in a protected recess state before charging operations. The system prepares for connection by retracting the connector into the recess during normal operation, then extending it when charging is required. This preliminary protection ensures durability while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector transitions between a retracted position (nested in the recess) and an extended position (protruding for connection). This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt between protected state during driving and connected state during charging, resolving the contradiction between protection and connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3835113B1Connecting assembly for supplying electric energy from a ground charging station to a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HAGER ELECTRO SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4b

AI summary

This invention relates to a connecting assembly (1) for supplying electric from a ground charging station (8) to an electric vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least: - a first electric connector interface (3) arranged with an actuating device to operate an up and down movement between a first "storage" and a second "plugging" position, - a sliding surface (S), the "plugging" position of the first electric connector interface (3) being located at its end, - a second electric connector interface carried by a movable connecting head (12) of the ground charging station (8), said head (12) having an upper surface (U) arranged to cooperate with the sliding surface to be guided and/or in contact in order to plug said second electric connector interface (7) in said first electric connector interface (3).