Motorized EVSE Connector with Spring-Latch for ADA Compliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EVSE systems fail to comply fully with ADA requirements for operable parts, as they often require more than five pounds of force to extend and connect the electrical connector to an electric vehicle, and may not be usable with one hand without tight grasping or twisting.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mechanism with a latch system that extends and retracts the EVSE connector, allowing it to be activated with less than five pounds of force and operated with one hand, ensuring compliance with ADA standards by using a pivoted lever biased by a spring, and a controller that manages the extension and retraction based on a switch signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized mechanism with latch switch is used to extend the connector, then the force required to operate the connector is reduced to less than five pounds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized mechanism automatically extends and retracts the connector based on signals from the latch switch, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing the force required to less than five pounds while maintaining ADA compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extension with an automated motorized mechanism controlled by electrical signals from the latch switch, transitioning from purely mechanical operation to an electromechanical system that reduces operational force requirements
2Ease of operation
If the connector is positioned at ADA compliant height of four feet, then the accessibility is improved, but the cable length and extension mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is positioned at a fixed ADA compliant height of four feet while the cable length is dynamically adjusted through the motorized extension and retraction mechanism, allowing the system to adapt cable length based on operational needs while maintaining consistent accessible positioning
3Reliability
If the latch switch forces the cable to extend until connected or deactivated, then the connection reliability is improved, but the force required to deactivate the switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch switch provides feedback control by automatically deactivating when the connector is properly connected to the EV charging inlet, and reactivating when the latch is depressed to release, creating a self-regulating system that maintains reliability while minimizing operational force requirements through automated state detection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures that the EVSE connector can be easily extended and connected to an electric vehicle with minimal force, meeting ADA compliance requirements for usability and safety, allowing for efficient and accessible charging.
Implementation Method 1
The latch is preferably a pivoted lever biased by a spring to an unactuated position
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management system for an overhead EVSE employs a lever-latch on the EV connector. A controller and motor mechanism is employed to lower the connector to an ADA compliant position or a pre-established height which is typically four feet. For an overhead system which employs a shuttle which slides along a track, the connector may then be grasped to pull the shuttle to a selected position along the track. The latch is depressible to extend the service cable to the connector so that the connector may be positioned and connected at the EV inlet. When the connector is unlatched from the EV inlet, the latch may be depressed to retract the connector to the pre-established height or ADA position. The latch requires a force of less than 5 lbs. for activation.