Modular Charging Socket System for Electric Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging sockets for electric vehicles require multiple adaptations to accommodate different plug geometries and vehicle body configurations, leading to increased complexity and the need for various components, which complicates integration and testing.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising multiple module types with standardized interfaces allows for flexible integration of charging sockets into vehicle bodies, using a core module with standardized fastening flanges and interfaces to ensure consistent positioning and sealing, independent of mounting situations or male connector geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If charging sockets are adapted to different plug geometries and vehicle body configurations, then compatibility with various connectors and vehicle types is improved, but device complexity and component variability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcomponent variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging socket system is divided into separate modular components: a standardized mounting module that interfaces with the vehicle body, and interchangeable connector modules that adapt to different plug geometries. This segmentation allows the mounting infrastructure to remain simple while providing versatility through modular connector attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal mounting interface and standardized housing design are implemented that can accommodate multiple connector types. The standardized flange and mounting structure serve as a universal base that works with various vehicle body configurations, while different connector modules can be attached to the same mounting interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adaptations and components are used for different charging configurations, then versatility is improved, but integration and testing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidintegration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the mounting infrastructure from the connector components, allowing each to be manufactured, tested, and validated independently. The standardized mounting module can be integrated into vehicle bodies once, while connector modules can be independently tested and swapped without reworking the mounting integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized mounting module serves as an intermediary between the vehicle body and various connector types. This intermediary provides a consistent interface that simplifies integration into vehicle bodies, while accommodating different connector geometries through standardized attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If charging sockets are made accessible for manual charging, then ease of operation is improved, but integration into vehicle body and sealing become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging socket system is segmented into a standardized mounting module that handles vehicle body integration and sealing, and interchangeable connector modules that provide accessibility. This allows the mounting infrastructure to be optimized for secure integration while connector modules are optimized for user access and connector compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized mounting module provides a universal solution for vehicle body integration, sealing, and positioning that works across different vehicle types. This universal base simplifies integration complexity while allowing various connector modules to provide accessibility for different charging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10179517B2Module system for a charging apparatus, charging apparatus and vehicle including a charging apparatus constructed from the module system

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 AUDI AG

AI summary

A module system is configured for establishing a plurality of variants of a charging device of a vehicle and includes a first module type with a first interface and a second interface; multiple variants of a second module type, each having a first interface and a second interface, wherein the variants have different second interfaces; multiple variants of a third module type, each having a first interface and a second interface, wherein the variants have different second interfaces; wherein the first interface of the second module type is configured for coupling with the first interface of the first module type, wherein the first interface of the third module type is configured for coupling with the second interface of the first module type, and wherein the charging socket can be constructed from a coupling of a variant of the second module type, the first module type, and a variant of the third module type.