EV Charging Port Cover with Flexible Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging interfaces for motor vehicles lack effective protection against moisture, foreign objects, and mechanical damage, particularly during adverse weather conditions and increased charging voltages.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a pivotable cover element and a flexible connection element that provides a permanent seal, protecting the charging interface from foreign objects and weather conditions, and includes a lever mechanism and adjustment sensor to ensure safe and comfortable charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover element is permanently sealed to protect against moisture, then sealing performance is improved, but the ease of operation for opening and closing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed to be dynamically pivotable between open and closed positions through a rotation axis. The flexible seal maintains permanent connection during this dynamic movement, ensuring continuous sealing performance while allowing easy operation. The seal's flexibility accommodates the motion without compromising the seal.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the charging interface, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection element is permanently fixed to the cover element along its entire transverse extent, creating a self-sealing mechanism that automatically maintains protection without requiring additional locking components. The permanent connection itself provides the securing function, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
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 solution ensures reliable protection of the charging interface from environmental factors and unauthorized access, preventing contamination and ensuring safe handling of the charging plug, while allowing for easy connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible connection element is used as a seal or functions in this manner by providing a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A locking apparatus for covering and releasing a charging interface of a motor vehicle. The locking apparatus comprises a cover element, which is pivotable relative to the charging interface and which can be displaced between a closed position and an open position. The locking apparatus is equipped with a flexible connection element, which is rigidly connected to the cover element at one upper end region of the cover element in the direction of the vehicle along the transverse extent of the cover element. The cover element is at the same time permanently and in every position coupled by the connection element for protecting the charging interface with a part that is stationary relative to the charging interface.