Optical Box Cover Detection Using Extraction and Reflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle charging stations face challenges in detecting the open state of the device box, which is crucial for safety and protection considerations, without occupying internal space or affecting the layout of the charging station.

Innovation Solution

A detection apparatus is provided that includes a mounting plate in the box body, a reflection part on the box cover, and a detection unit comprising a transmitter and a receiver. The detection unit emits a detection light signal that is reflected by the reflection part and received when the box cover is closed, and the absence of this signal indicates the box cover is open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detection apparatus is installed in the device box to detect the open state of the box cover, then the safety and protection of the charging station is improved, but the internal space of the device box is occupied and the layout is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and protectionVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit is extracted from the internal space of the device box and mounted on the outer surface of the box body. This allows the detection function to be maintained while eliminating the occupation of internal space, resolving the contradiction between safety monitoring and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A reflection part is introduced as an intermediary element that works with the detection unit to enable detection functionality. The reflection part reflects light signals back to the detection unit, allowing the system to detect the open state of the box cover without requiring additional internal space for complex detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the detection unit is arranged inside the box body, then the detection function is achieved, but the layout of internal components is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidlayout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit is extracted from the internal arrangement and positioned on the outer surface of the box body. This extraction simplifies the internal layout by removing the detection unit from the confined internal space, allowing internal components to be arranged more freely without accommodating the detection unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the box cover is opened relative to the device box, then the detection light signal cannot be reflected back, but this may cause false detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reflection part is pre-positioned on the box cover at a specific location and orientation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the box cover is in the closed state, the light signal is reliably reflected back to the detection unit. The predetermined distance and angular relationship are established in advance to prevent false detections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution allows for accurate detection of the open state of the device box without occupying internal space, enhancing safety and protection by providing timely notifications to users.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter adapted to emit a detection light signal; and a receiver adapted to receive the detection light signal reflected by the reflection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4567762A1Detection apparatus for detecting open state of box cover and device box
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4567762A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4567762A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4567762A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a detection apparatus for detecting the open state of a box cover and a device box. The detection apparatus includes a mounting plate arranged in a box body of the device box and spaced a predetermined distance from the box cover of the device box; a reflection part arranged on the box cover and facing an inner side of the box body; and a detection unit arranged on the mounting plate and includes a transmitter adapted to emit a detection light signal; and a receiver adapted to receive the detection light signal reflected by the reflection part, so that the detection unit determines the open state of the box cover based on the received detection light signal.