Locking Charging Cable for Electric Vehicle Theft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric vehicles, particularly electric bicycles, are insufficiently protected against vandalism and theft, especially during the charging process, and often require additional security measures when used outside charging stations, limiting their usability across various vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
A charging and locking device with a frame lock or cable lock equipped with a locking charging connector that can be universally used, featuring a locking element with a readable code for compatibility with different batteries, and a fixing element for secure attachment to the vehicle or stationary objects, decoupling the charging and locking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging cable is used without integrated locking functionality, then the charging system is simple and compatible with various battery types, but the vehicle is insufficiently protected against theft and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging cable and locking device into a single integrated unit. The locking device is attached to the charging cable, allowing the cable itself to serve as both the charging connection and the security mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking devices while providing reliable theft protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated locking device is designed to be universally compatible with different charging cable types and battery systems. The locking mechanism can be applied to various vehicle models without requiring vehicle-specific modifications, making the system multi-functional and broadly applicable.
2Reliability
If a separate locking device is carried in addition to the charging cable, then the vehicle can be secured outside charging stations, but the user burden increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated directly onto the charging cable, eliminating the need for users to carry separate locking devices. The cable itself becomes the security mechanism, reducing user burden while maintaining protection capabilities both at charging stations and elsewhere.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is integrated into the battery, then the battery can be locked to the charging station, but the system becomes incompatible with batteries that do not have such a locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is positioned as an intermediary between the charging cable and the vehicle frame, rather than being integrated into the battery itself. This allows the locking mechanism to secure the vehicle to the charging station without requiring modifications to the battery, maintaining compatibility with all battery types.
4Reliability
If the charging cable is made robust with reinforcement, then the cable is more resistant to vandalism, but the cable becomes harder to handle and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is reinforced only in specific areas where vulnerability to vandalism occurs, such as the connection points and sections subject to stress. The rest of the cable maintains its original flexibility and ease of handling, achieving local protection without overall cumbersome design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging and shut-off device for electric vehicles (1), with a frame (2) and a battery (3) arranged on or in the frame (2), with a charging cable (10) for charging up the battery (3) at a charging station (4), wherein the charging cable (10) is at least partially reinforced with a fuse element, a locking charging plug (12) which can be plugged in that a charging socket (5) of the charging station (4) in a manner so as to be able to be shut off, and a battery plug (13) which is electrically connectable to the battery (3), wherein a portion of the charging cable (10) which is reinforced with the fuse element is designed as a charge-blocking cable (14) which has the locking charging plug (12) at one end and, at the other end, at least one fixing element, with the aid of which the charge-blocking cable (14) can be secured to the frame (2) of the electric vehicle (1), wherein a charging cable portion (16) leading to the charging plug (13) is led out of the charge-blocking cable (14). According to the invention, the locking charge plug (12) has a locking element (17), wherein a receptacle (22) for the locking element (17) of the locking charging plug (12) is provided with a blocking device (23) which is arranged in a frame lock (20), which is fastenable to the frame (2) of the electric vehicle (1), or in a cable lock of the charge-blocking cable (14).