EV Frunk Cable Cleaning and Secure Stowage Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging cables with plugs at both ends in electric vehicles often become fouled with dirt and water due to loose storage, leading to contamination of the vehicle interior during charging and use.
Innovation Solution
A frunk with integrated cleaning device and fastening means for securing and cleaning charging cables, featuring plastic webs with brushes or sponges, and a drain for water removal, ensuring the cable is secured and cleaned before stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging cable is stowed loosely in the vehicle, then the cable is easily accessible and can be pulled out for charging, but the cable becomes fouled with dirt and water and may slide around uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is extracted from the vehicle interior and routed through a guide opening in the bodywork flap, allowing the cable to be pulled out for charging while keeping the contaminated outer portion separated from the clean vehicle interior. The cable channel acts as a barrier that extracts the cable from the harmful environment inside the vehicle during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
A bodywork flap with an integrated cable channel serves as an intermediary structure between the vehicle interior and exterior. The cable channel provides a controlled passage that guides the cable from the storage location to the exterior, preventing direct contact between the cable and the vehicle interior while maintaining accessibility.
2Productivity
If the charging cable is led through the bodywork opening for easy access, then the cable can be quickly pulled out for charging, but dirt and water can enter the vehicle interior with the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The cable channel extracts the charging cable from the vehicle interior during the deployment process. By routing the cable through a dedicated channel in the bodywork flap rather than allowing it to move freely through the interior space, the system separates the cable's path from the vehicle interior, preventing contamination while maintaining quick access.
Solution Approach 2:
The bodywork flap with its integrated cable channel acts as a flexible barrier structure. The flap can move to accommodate cable deployment while the channel provides a controlled passage that prevents dirt and water from entering the vehicle interior along with the cable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning devices are used outside the vehicle for the charging cable, then the cable can be cleaned of dirt, but the cleaning process becomes more complex and requires additional external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing bodywork flap structure. The cable channel in the bodywork flap serves dual purposes: guiding the cable during deployment and providing a cleaning mechanism through its structural design. This integration eliminates the need for separate external cleaning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bodywork flap with the cable channel provides self-cleaning functionality for the charging cable. As the cable passes through the channel during deployment and retraction, the channel's structure automatically cleans the cable surface, eliminating the need for external cleaning equipment or manual intervention.
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 effectively removes dirt and water from charging cables, preventing interior contamination and ensuring secure stowage without sliding, enhancing vehicle cleanliness and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device comprises two adjacent plastic webs, between which the charging cable can be clamped and thus secured
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning device comprises two adjacent plastic webs, between which the charging cable can be clamped and thus secured
Implementation Method 3
a drain for dirty water
Implementation Method 4
the fastening means comprise two adjacent plastic webs, between which the charging cable can be clamped and thus secured
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a trunk under the front hood (or “frunk”) of an electric vehicle and a method for cleaning and stowing a charging cable in the frunk.