Electric Vehicle Charging Socket Axial Displacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging interfaces for motor vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, inadequately protect against weather elements such as rain and snow during the prolonged charging process, despite some offering partial protection with swivel lids or covers.
Innovation Solution
A charging interface with a displaceable charging socket that moves axially out of the vehicle body opening when the closure device is opened, allowing for easy plug insertion and secure retraction into the vehicle, providing enhanced protection against external influences by routing the charging cable and plug within a sealed path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a swivel lid or cover is used to protect the charging socket, then protection against rain and snow is provided, but the protection is not sufficient and the charging interface remains exposed to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The charging socket is made movable between a retracted position (inside the vehicle body) and an extended position (at the body opening). The socket moves dynamically with the cover: when the cover is closed, the socket is retracted for protection; when the cover is open, the socket extends for charging. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing adequate protection while enabling charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging socket is nested within the vehicle body and can be inserted into or withdrawn from the body opening. The socket is housed within a receiving device that allows it to be stored inside the vehicle interior when not in use, providing protection from weather elements while maintaining accessibility for charging operations.
2Device complexity
If the charging socket is stationary inside the body opening, then the structure is simple, but the charging cable and plug are exposed to external influences during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging socket transitions from a stationary to a movable component. It is coupled to the cover through a receiving device that allows the socket to move axially. When the cover opens, the socket automatically extends to the body opening; when the cover closes, the socket retracts inside the vehicle. This dynamic behavior protects the charging interface while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the charging socket is made movable to provide protection, then weather protection is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism for the charging socket is merged with the cover mechanism. The same actuation that opens and closes the cover also drives the extension and retraction of the charging socket. The receiving device couples the socket movement to the cover position, so one mechanical system performs dual functions: protecting the socket and enabling its movement. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving weather protection.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
In a charging interface for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, for charging the traction battery, having a charging socket which is arranged in a vehicle body opening and a closure device for covering the vehicle body opening, the charging socket can be moved in the axial direction of the vehicle body opening and the charging socket is made to move as a result of the closure device being opened.