Flexible EV Connector Mechanism for Motion-Tolerant Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face issues with suboptimal coupling of power sources, leading to degradation, destruction, or inoperability due to improper alignment and exposure to substances like water and dust.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connector mechanism with interface components and a flexible portion that allows for manipulation along multiple axes, ensuring optimal alignment and sealing during coupling, maintaining electrical connection during motion, and preventing ingress of substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connector is used to couple the power source, then the alignment precision may be improved, but the device cannot accommodate suboptimal placement and motion-induced misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a flexible portion that enables dynamic adjustment and manipulation of interface components along multiple axes. This flexibility allows the connector to adapt to suboptimal power source placement while maintaining optimal electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between rigid alignment precision and adaptability to varying positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion changes the physical state from rigid to flexible, allowing the interface components to be manipulated into optimal mating positions. This parameter change enables the connector to accommodate various placement conditions while maintaining precise electrical alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is made flexible to accommodate motion, then the adaptability is improved, but the electrical connection stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion dynamically adjusts during vehicle operation to maintain optimal interface alignment between the connector and power source. This dynamic capability allows the connector to accommodate vehicle motion while preserving stable electrical connections through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connector mechanism automatically manipulates the interface components into and maintains optimal mating positions without manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability ensures reliable electrical connections while accommodating motion, eliminating the need for external control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed connector structure is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the protection against substance ingress during coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion acts as a flexible shell that seals the interface between the connector and power source during coupling. This flexible sealing structure prevents ingress of water, dust, and other substances while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and protection against harmful factors.
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
Ensures stable electrical connection and protection against environmental factors, reducing wear and preventing uncoupling during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible portion may enable the interface components (or portions of the flexible connector mechanism) to be manipulated along one or more planes or axes
Implementation Method 2
The flexible connector mechanism may also comprise a flexible portion that enables the interface components (or portions of the flexible connector mechanism) to be manipulated along one or more planes or axes
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe a flexible connector mechanism that may be used to form an electrical connection and/or a communication link between one or more devices. The flexible connector mechanism may comprise one or more interface components that may each comprise one or more contact portions. The interface components may be configured to be selectively coupled to one or more corresponding components of a coupleable object. The flexible connector mechanism may also comprise a flexible portion that enables the interface components to be manipulated along one or more planes or axes. The flexibility of the flexible portion may enable the interface components of the flexible connector mechanism to be adjusted into, and maintained in, an optimal (or operable) position when coupled to a coupleable object in motion.