Nested EV Charging Adapter With Automatic Holster Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack efficient and automated mechanisms for adapting between different charging connector types, leading to user inconvenience and potential misuse or loss of adapters.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging connector adapter is nested within the EVSE, with automated locking and unlocking mechanisms controlled by electromagnets, linear actuators, and sensors to ensure the adapter is securely attached to the correct connector type based on the vehicle's inlet type, preventing unauthorized removal and facilitating seamless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone adapter is used to adapt between different charging connector types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and risk of loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is nested within the EVSE holster, allowing it to be stored securely when not in use and automatically deployed when needed. This eliminates the need for users to carry separate standalone adapters while maintaining adaptability across different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE system is designed to accommodate multiple connector types through the nested adapter mechanism, making the charging station universal and compatible with various electric vehicle inlet types without requiring multiple separate charging units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone adapter is used for different connector types, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the required connector type and deploys the appropriate adapter without user intervention. The electromagnet and actuator mechanisms self-activate to lock or unlock the adapter based on charging requirements, eliminating manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-positioned within the holster and prepared for deployment before charging begins. The system anticipates the need for adapter deployment and has it ready in advance, eliminating delays during the charging process.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter is made removable for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misuse or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking mechanism is augmented with an electromagnet that provides secure magnetic retention of the adapter in the holster. This electromagnetic field ensures the adapter remains securely stored when not in use, preventing accidental loss while allowing easy retrieval when needed.
4Reliability
If automated locking mechanisms are added to prevent unauthorized removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex multi-component mechanical locking systems are replaced with a simplified electromagnet-based retention mechanism. The electromagnet provides reliable security through electromagnetic attraction while requiring minimal structural components, reducing overall system complexity compared to traditional mechanical locks.
Solution Approach 2:
An actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates control signals into physical locking or unlocking actions. This intermediary component simplifies the control architecture by providing a single point of actuation that manages the locking state without requiring complex direct control of multiple locking elements.
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 solution provides a secure, automated, and efficient system for adapting between different charging connector types, reducing user inconvenience and minimizing adapter loss, while ensuring safe and reliable charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
The holster includes a first magnet that generates a magnetic force to attract a second magnet attached to the latch of the charging connector adapter, preventing the latch from being unlatched
Implementation Method 2
using a linear actuator to move a first magnet of the holster to a position where a magnetic force of the first magnet does not attract a second magnet that is attached to a latch of the charging connector adapter thereby preventing a latch of the charging connector to be unlatched
Implementation Method 3
locking the charging connector adapter to the holster of the EVSE may include engaging a spring-loaded latch that latches to the charging connector adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A charging connector adapter is nested within a holster of an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). If the adapter is to be used, the EVSE automatically locks the charging connector to the charging connector adapter and unlocks the charging connector adapter from the holster of the EVSE thereby allowing the charging cable with the charging connector adapter to be removed from the holster and used for connecting the charging connector adapter to an inlet of an electric vehicle. When the charging connector adapter is inserted back into the holster, the EVSE locks the charging connector to the holster and unlocks the charging connector from the charging connector adapter.