Modular Electric Vehicle Connector with Integrated Mechanical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems lack secure and reliable connections, particularly in public areas, and do not protect against unauthorized interference or theft.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle system with a separable connection between an electric vehicle's interface and a module, enabling both electrical connection and mechanical locking, ensuring secure operation and protection against unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separable connection system is used between vehicle and module, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential unintentional disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection and mechanical locking functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes both electrical contacts and a locking mechanism that work together as one unit, ensuring that electrical connection and mechanical securing happen simultaneously rather than as separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically upon insertion, performing the securing action before the user needs to verify connection status. The system preliminarily establishes both electrical and mechanical connection through a single insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.
2Ease of operation
If existing connection systems are used in public areas, then accessibility is improved, but security is worsened due to unauthorized interference and theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to present a physical barrier that prevents unauthorized disconnection or interference. The locked state creates an active resistance to harmful actions such as theft or tampering, requiring proper authentication or intervention to release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of separable connections (which could be easily disconnected or stolen) into a benefit by implementing a locking mechanism that makes unauthorized disconnection difficult while maintaining easy authorized access. The same separability that enabled theft is now harnessed to provide secure, controlled access.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical locking functions are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This integration means that one component performs multiple functions, reducing the overall number of separate parts and assemblies needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection, mechanical securing, and connection status indication. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that would traditionally require separate elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular vehicle system, having an electric vehicle (2, 2'), in particular a lightweight electric vehicle, and at least one module (3, 120) which can be connected to the electric vehicle (2, 2'). The electric vehicle (2, 2') has at least one on-board power supply system (13, 101) for supplying energy to an electrical drive unit (114), one or more interfaces (4, 114) which are connected to the on-board power supply system (13, 101) and are intended for connecting at least one module (3, 120), and a first locking means (9) which is arranged on the interface (4, 4', 114). The at least one module (3, 120) has at least one electrical arrangement, a connecting element (6, 6', 121) which can be connected disconnectablyto the interface (4, 4', 114) and has the purpose of connecting the electrical arrangement to the on-board power supply system (13, 101), and a second locking means (11) which is arranged on the connecting element (6, 6', 121) and which is designed to engage with the first locking means (9). In order to provide a modular vehicle system (1) which has increased operational reliability and in which the connection to a module (3, 120) can be made in a particularly easy and secure fashion such that it is protected against intervention by unauthorized persons, at least one of the locking means (9, 11) can be moved between a free position and a locking position, wherein in the free position the connecting element (6, 6', 121) can be disconnected from the interface (4, 4', 114), and in the locked position the connecting element (6, 6', 121) is mechanically locked to the interface (4, 4', 114).