Motorized Iris Charge Port Assembly for EV Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified vehicle charge port designs are susceptible to the elements and lack security features to prevent unauthorized disconnection of charging cords.
Innovation Solution
A motorized iris door system with overlapping blades that automatically opens and closes the charge port, driven by a motorized actuating assembly and controlled by a sensor system and control module, allowing authorized access and secure charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual door is used for the charge port, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection against elements and unauthorized access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an automated iris door mechanism that dynamically opens and closes based on charging state. The iris door transitions from a static manual door to a dynamic automated barrier, resolving the contradiction by providing enhanced protection (improving parameter 30) while accepting increased mechanical complexity (parameter 36) as a necessary trade-off for security and weather protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple manual mechanical door system with an automated motorized iris mechanism. This substitution introduces a motor-driven system with multiple overlapping blades instead of a single panel, achieving superior protection against elements and unauthorized access while accepting the inherent complexity of the motorized actuating assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the charge port is always open for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the susceptibility to elements and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically opening the iris door before charging begins (in response to plug approach signals) and automatically closing it after charging completes. This pre-action and post-action automation ensures the port is accessible when needed while protected when not in use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through sensor systems that detect charging cord approach and connection status. This feedback loop enables the control module to automatically adjust the iris door state, providing easy access when charging is needed while maintaining protection during non-charging periods, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple manual door is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the security and weather protection capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the door into multiple overlapping blades instead of a single panel. This segmented iris structure provides enhanced security and weather protection compared to a simple manual door, while the modular blade design allows for manageable manufacturing complexity. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through multiple protective layers while keeping each individual blade relatively simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris door structure implements the nested doll principle with multiple overlapping blades nested within each other in a radial arrangement. This nested configuration provides superior protection against elements and unauthorized access compared to a simple door, while the compact nested structure optimizes space and allows for efficient manufacturing of the integrated assembly.
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 effectively protects the charge port from rain, snow, and unauthorized access by automatically opening and closing the port based on user prompts and charging cord presence, ensuring secure and weather-tight charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized actuating assembly configured to move the iris door between a closed position in which the port is concealed and an open position in which the port is exposed
Data Source
AI summary
A charge port assembly includes a port, an iris door movable to expose the port, and a motorized actuating assembly configured to move the iris door between a closed position in which the port is concealed and an open position in which the port is exposed. The iris door may be automatically dilated to the open position in response to a predefined prompt from an authorized user or if a charging cord is approaching the charge port assembly.