J1772 Charging Plug Locking Shell for Unauthorized Removal Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a simple, after-market accessory to prevent unauthorized use of charging plugs at residential and commercial charging stations, allowing anyone to remove and use the plug on their own vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising an outer and inner shell with a spacer, designed for J1772 standard plugs, that secures the plug with a padlock, preventing unauthorized removal by sliding into a closed position over the locking hook and using a lock anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging plug is left accessible in a holster or hanging on the wall, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses a nested structure where the inner shell contains the locking hook and notch mechanism, while the outer shell provides additional protection and houses the lock anchor. The plug is nested within the inner shell, creating multiple layers of protection against unauthorized removal while maintaining accessibility for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary between the charging plug and the user. It introduces a lock mechanism that mediates access to the plug, requiring authorization (padlock or key lock) to remove the plug from the holster, thereby preventing unauthorized use while maintaining ease of access for authorized users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized use, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the inner shell containing the locking hook and notch, the outer shell providing protection and housing the lock anchor, and the lock mechanism itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device uses the existing locking hook and notch mechanism of the J1772 plug standard, leveraging the plug's own structural features for locking functionality. This self-service approach avoids the need for entirely new locking mechanisms, reducing complexity while achieving the security goal.
3Reliability
If the outer shell slides over the locking hook to secure the plug, then reliability of locking is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is designed to slide dynamically along the side tracks of the inner shell, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the shell to easily move into position over the locking hook for secure locking, while also enabling smooth opening for authorized removal, balancing reliability with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for an electric vehicle charging plug using the J1772 standards. The main component of the device consists of an outer shell and an inner shell. In the open position, the inner shell will slide along the designated tracks away from the outer shell, allowing the electrical plug to be insert into the inner shell. In the close position, the outer shell enclosure is moved over the locking hook and prevents plug from being removed from the inner shell. The inner shell has a lock anchor that passes through the outer shell. A user can then install a pad lock at the end through this anchor to prevent the outer shell from sliding back into the open position. The reversal of the above process allows the plug to be removed.