EV Charging Station Receptacle Drainage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging stations face challenges in preventing moisture ingress, particularly through charging connectors and receptacles, which can lead to damage and operational issues due to environmental conditions like rain and condensation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a receptacle that includes a back portion with a drain port and an enclosure surrounding the receptacle opening, allowing fluid to drain externally while sealing the interior, thus preventing moisture from entering the charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If receptacles are designed with drain ports to carry moisture away, then moisture protection is improved, but the receptacle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the moisture drainage function into two separate components: the receptacle with its drain port and the enclosure with its drain opening. This segmentation allows each component to maintain relative simplicity while collectively providing comprehensive moisture protection. The receptacle handles initial fluid collection and the enclosure provides the final drainage path, separating the drainage function from the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary element between the receptacle and the external environment. It receives fluid from the receptacle's drain port and channels it through its own drain opening to the exterior. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated fluid management component that mediates between the sealing receptacle and the external environment.
2Reliability
If enclosures are added to seal receptacle openings, then moisture ingress is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function and the drainage function into an integrated enclosure-receptacle assembly. The enclosure both seals the receptacle opening to prevent moisture ingress and simultaneously provides a drain opening for fluid egress. This merging of functions into a single component reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate sealing and drainage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure serves multiple functions: it seals the receptacle opening to prevent moisture ingress, provides structural support, and incorporates a drain opening for fluid management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby preventing an increase in overall device complexity while maintaining reliable moisture protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard receptacles are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture drainage capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a drain port in the receptacle as a preliminary action to enable moisture drainage. By pre-configuring the receptacle with this drainage feature, standard receptacles can be used without requiring custom modifications, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring moisture drainage capability is built into the design from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary that enhances the moisture drainage capability of standard receptacles. By adding the enclosure with its drain opening, the system compensates for any limitations in the standard receptacle's drainage ability, allowing use of cost-effective standard components while achieving reliable moisture management through the combined assembly.
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
This configuration effectively prevents moisture ingress, protecting internal components and ensuring reliable operation by directing fluid away from sensitive areas, allowing for the use of standard receptacles and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first enclosure is configured to substantially surround the first receptacle opening and seal the first receptacle opening
Implementation Method 2
The back portion of the first receptacle includes a first drain port configured to permit a fluid flow to drain from the first receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
Charging stations for use in charging an electrically powered vehicle and related methods are disclosed. One example charging station includes a housing having an interior. The housing is configured to enclose at least one vehicle charging component and defines a receptacle opening. The charging station further includes a first receptacle configured to receive a charging connector. The receptacle includes a front portion and a back portion. The back portion of the first receptacle includes a first drain port configured to permit a fluid flow to drain from the first receptacle. The first receptacle is configured to be positioned at least partially within the first receptacle opening, such that the back portion of the first receptacle is positioned within the first enclosure. The first enclosure defines a first drain opening configured to permit fluid from the first receptacle to an exterior of said first enclosure.