EV Charging Connector Shutter Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging connectors are complex to use, require multiple mechanisms for safety and protection, and lack a single device for locking the plug in place and preventing vandalism.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a receptacle body, a movable lid, and shutter mechanisms that automatically lock the plug in place during use and prevent vandalism, allowing easy insertion and compliance with safety standards like EN62196, using a single device for both locking and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for locking and protection, then safety and protection functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and protective shutter system into a single integrated device. The shutter serves dual functions: protecting the receptacle when open and locking the plug when closed, eliminating the need for separate locking and protection mechanisms while maintaining all required safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both protection (covering the receptacle) and locking (securing the plug in position) functions. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional plug insertion methods are used, then connection is established, but ease of operation decreases due to complicated movements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to perform complex rotation and translation movements to insert the plug, the invention inverts the approach by using the simple linear insertion motion to automatically trigger the shutter opening and locking sequences. The plug insertion itself becomes the actuating force that drives the mechanism rather than requiring additional manual manipulation steps
3Device complexity
If a single device is used for locking and protection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single integrated shutter device, the invention segments the functional sequence into distinct phases: protection phase (shutter covers receptacle), insertion phase (shutter opens), and locking phase (shutter secures plug). This functional segmentation within a single component ensures that each safety function is properly executed while maintaining structural simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector for charging electric vehicles, including a receptacle body which has receptacles adapted to receive respective pins of an electrical plug, a lid which can move between a closed position, in which the lid closes hermetically access to the outlet, and an open position, which allows access to the outlet and the insertion of an electrical plug; the connector includes shutters that have at least two positions, a shutter closed position, in which the shutters cover the active receptacles, and a shutter open position, in which the shutters clear the active receptacles for the insertion of the plug pins; the connector is characterized in that the shutters lock the lid in the closed position with a vandalism prevention function.