EV Charging Socket Locking Mechanism to Prevent Plug Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
EV chargers frequently disengage or jam in charging sockets due to wear and tear, user error, environmental factors, and varied charger characteristics, leading to delays and reduced availability.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled locking mechanism is integrated into the EV charging socket, using an actuator and plunger system to automatically lock and unlock the charger, preventing disengagement and jamming through electrical control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an EV charger is left unattended during long charging times, then charging efficiency is maintained, but the risk of disengagement or jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated automatically upon charger insertion, performing the locking action before any disengagement or jamming can occur. This preliminary securing ensures the connection remains stable throughout the entire charging process, eliminating the need for continuous user attention while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection of charger insertion and removal, with the locking mechanism responding to these states. When the charger is detected as inserted, the lock engages automatically; when removal is detected, the lock disengages. This feedback-based control maintains connection stability throughout the charging process without requiring user intervention.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent disengagement and jamming, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simpler actuator-based mechanism. The actuator, controlled electrically, drives a plunger that engages with a locking surface on the charger, providing reliable connection stability through a minimized mechanical structure that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously through automatic detection of charger insertion and removal. The system self-activates the lock when the charger is inserted and self-deactivates it when the charger is removed, eliminating the need for additional control interfaces or complex user interaction systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If an electrically controlled locking mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only at specific moments when the charger is inserted or removed. During the extended charging period, the locking mechanism remains engaged without requiring continuous energy input. This periodic operation provides automatic locking functionality while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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 mechanism effectively prevents EV charger disengagement and jamming, ensuring reliable charging and maximizing charger availability by minimizing susceptibility to wear, user error, and environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically controlled locking mechanism is integrated into the EV charging socket, using an actuator and plunger system to automatically lock and unlock the charger
Data Source
AI summary
An EV charger locking system includes a plunger, one or more springs, and an electrically controlled actuator. The plunger contacts a lockable portion of an EV charger inserted into a channel of an EV charging socket. When uncompressed, the one or more springs position a tip of the plunger in a return position in or above a hole of the channel. When compressed, the one or more springs apply a force in a second direction to return the tip to the return position. When activated, the actuator applies a mechanical force to the plunger in a first direction to move the tip through the hole and to position the tip in a locking position in the channel to contact the lockable portion. When deactivated, the actuator removes the mechanical force from the plunger, allowing the plunger to be returned to the return position by the one or more springs.