Integrated Locking and Charging Cable for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking and charging systems for electric vehicles are either cumbersome, limited in application, or require separate devices for locking and charging, lacking a unified, remotely operable solution that securely locks and charges vehicles in a single step.
Innovation Solution
A locking and charging system with management electronic means, a locking and charging cable, and a charging station that integrates sensors, communicators, and a motorized security casing, allowing remote operation, secure attachment, and simultaneous locking and charging of electric vehicles, with a locking mechanism that communicates charging parameters to the charger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking and charging devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases and requires multiple separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and charging cable into a single integrated unit. The locking cable includes both a mechanical locking component (hook that engages with the vehicle frame) and an electrical charging connector, eliminating the need for separate locking and charging devices. This reduces system complexity while maintaining the reliability of both functions through their integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If a unified locking and charging system is implemented, then the number of operations is reduced to one step, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and charging functions are merged into a single cable assembly that can perform both operations simultaneously or sequentially through one attachment action, greatly simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable is segmented into distinct functional modules: a locking hook mechanism for mechanical security, an electrical connector for power transfer, and a control unit for managing the locking and charging processes. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall integration.
3Device complexity
If the locking cable is stored separately, then the locking mechanism can be simpler, but portability and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cable is designed to be stored within a compartment of the charging station when not in use. The cable nests inside the station housing, eliminating the need for separate storage bags or containers. This nested arrangement maintains portability and convenience while keeping the locking mechanism itself relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Subject of the invention is a locking and charging system for electric powered vehicles that can be remotely operated. The locking and charging system is a one-step security and charging system that allows customers to lock and charge their vehicles in one single move. The system thereby acts like a bridge between the vehicle drive train and the charging infrastructure. It communicates with the charger in order to identify and submit at least the charger's ID and can exchange the vehicles drive train charging parameters (at least voltage and current), so that the charger knows how it can charge the attached vehicle. The system includes management electronic means that are inserted into a security casing that is mounted onto an electric powered vehicle or are integrated into an electric powered vehicle via protective casing, a locking and charging cable with one end connected to the management electronic means and with a locking head with ah active male part of the electronic locking mechanism with electricity contacts provided on the other end and a charging station, with a specific or universal charger for the electric powered vehicle and a passive female part of the electronic locking mechanism into which the male part of the electronic locking mechanism fits.