Work Vehicle Hood Charge Port Layout for Easier EV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicles lack efficient and conveniently located charging ports, which can impede charging operations and affect vehicle performance.

Innovation Solution

The electric work vehicle, such as an EV tractor, incorporates a hood with multiple charge ports, including DC and AC ports, strategically positioned on the hood's surface for easy access and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If charging ports are located on the hood surface, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging port system is segmented into multiple independent ports (first charge port and second charge port) located at different positions on the hood, allowing simultaneous or separate charging operations and improving operational convenience without requiring complex integrated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging ports are positioned on the vertical surface of the hood rather than on the ground or side panels, utilizing the vertical dimension for easier access during vehicle operation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charge ports are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidport configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is equipped with multiple charge ports that can accommodate different charging standards and configurations, enabling the vehicle to accept various types of charging connections and power sources, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring complex adaptive mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different charge ports are positioned at specific locations on the hood (first charge port at one position, second charge port at another position) with potentially different orientations and connection types, allowing each port to serve specific charging needs while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4549202A1Electric work vehicle including plurality of external charge ports

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KUBOTA CORP

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AI summary

An electric work vehicle (1) includes a hood (400), a battery housing including a battery housing portion that houses a plurality of battery modules, and a plurality of charge ports (430L) to connect to an external power source to charge the plurality of battery modules. Each of the plurality of charge ports (430L) is located at a surface of the hood (400).