Perpendicular Locking Charging Coupling for Motor Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging sockets for plug-in hybrid vehicles either fail to securely fix the charging plug in place or require complex and expensive mechanisms, leading to potential unauthorized removal and compromised water and dust sealing.

Innovation Solution

A charging coupling with a cylindrical receiving section and a locking device that displaces perpendicularly to lock the charging plug in place, integrated with a cover that uses the same locking mechanism for sealing, reducing component count and production costs, and ensuring reliable locking and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charging socket without a locking device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging plug can be unintentionally pulled off and unauthorized removal is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixing of charging plugVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into a locking section with locking elements that can engage with corresponding features on the charging plug. The locking section is displaceable relative to the receiving device, allowing it to move between a locked position (where locking elements engage the charging plug) and an unlocked position. This segmentation enables reliable fixing while keeping the structure modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device serves multiple functions: it prevents unauthorized removal of the charging plug, secures the charging plug in the charging position, and can lock the cover in the closed position. By integrating these functions into a single displaceable locking section, the patent avoids the need for separate locking mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a complex fixing device is used to prevent unauthorized removal, then the reliability of fixing is improved, but the production costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unauthorized removalVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated mechanism. The displaceable locking section with locking elements simultaneously prevents unauthorized removal, secures the charging plug, and can lock the cover. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate fixing devices, reducing production costs and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high reliability against unauthorized removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the locking section is displaced perpendicularly to the introduction direction, then the locking effectiveness is improved, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking effectivenessVSAvoidspace required for locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of displacing the locking section along the introduction direction (one dimension), the patent displaces it approximately perpendicularly to the introduction direction (another dimension). This dimensional change allows the locking elements to engage with the charging plug from the side, achieving effective locking while utilizing space more efficiently within the receiving device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a separate locking device for the cover is added, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed with multi-functionality: the displaceable locking section can lock both the charging plug (when it protrudes) and the cover (when it closes the receiving section). The locking elements can engage with corresponding features on either the charging plug or the cover, providing reliable sealing and protection without requiring a separate locking mechanism for the cover, thus reducing component count while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8951060B2Charging coupling and charging coupling arrangement for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A charging coupling (1) for a motor vehicle (2) has a receiving device (3) with a receiving section (4) for receiving a charging plug (7) and a locking device (11) having a locking section (13) that can be displaced into the receiving section (4) approximately perpendicularly with respect to an introduction direction (E) of the charging plug (7) into the receiving section (4) for locking the charging plug (7) in the receiving device (3) in a charging position. A cover (16) having a sealing device (21) is provided for closing the receiving section (4) in a dust-tight and water-tight manner when the charging plug (7) is removed from the receiving section (4).