Removable EV Terminal Connector with Integrated LED and Scraper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face complexity and inefficiency in battery recharging operations, particularly in the connection process with electric supply columns, and lack multifunctionality in their connector members.
Innovation Solution
A removable terminal connector with quick coupling and contactless options, integrated with a light source and a scraper edge, which can also facilitate energy sharing among vehicles and serve as a tool for ice removal, is designed for easy and adaptable recharging with additional functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed electric connection device is provided on the vehicle, then reliable electric connection to supply column is achieved, but the device complexity and lack of additional functions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric connection device is segmented into a removable terminal connector that can be separated from the vehicle body. This allows the connector to be independently designed for reliable connection while the vehicle body retains a simple receiving seat, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal connector is designed with multiple functions: electric connection to supply column, energy sharing with other vehicles, and ice scraping capability. By consolidating these functions into a single removable component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability of the primary electric connection function.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated connector member is provided for electric connection, then recharging function is achieved, but the ease of operation and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal connector serves multiple purposes: recharging from supply column, energy sharing with other vehicles, and ice scraping. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the removable design simplifies operation by allowing users to attach only when needed and detach when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static fixed component to a dynamic removable component that can be attached and detached as needed. This dynamic design improves ease of operation by allowing flexible deployment while maintaining adaptability through its multiple functional capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is made multifunctional, then adaptability and additional utility are improved, but the ease of manufacture and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the multifunctional features into a separate removable connector rather than integrating them into the vehicle body, the patent simplifies manufacturing. The connector can be produced independently using standard components, and the vehicle body only requires a simple receiving seat, reducing overall construction complexity despite the connector's multiple functions.
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 simplifies and enhances the recharging process, allowing for easy connection, energy sharing, and additional utility functions like ice scraping, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, which extends according to a ring-like configuration around said central opening
Implementation Method 2
the body of the terminal member may be provided with a lateral wall having at least one edge which can be used as a scraper tool, for example for removing an ice layer from the vehicle windshield
Implementation Method 3
it may be provided that the portion acting as a scraper can be electrically heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electric vehicle is provided with an electric connection device for recharging the battery, which comprises a connector member (4) adapted to be electrically connected to an electric supply column (8). The connector member is provided within a seat (3) outside the vehicle and is in the form of a terminal connector, which can be grasped and removed from the above-mentioned seat (3), the connector being connected to the electric circuit of the vehicle (5) by means of a supply cable (6) which is normally in a rolled up condition within a cavity (7) adjacent to the above mentioned seat. The terminal connector (4) carries a light source (L), for example a LED source, which can be used as a service light, for example for illuminating the area of connection to the supply column.