Port Locking Actuator Mechanism for Electric Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional port locking actuator devices for electric vehicles face challenges in configuration complexity and space constraints due to the disposition of locking pins relative to the charging connector's insertion/removal direction, particularly when a cam is required, leading to either large dimensions or complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A port locking actuator device with a locking pin driving mechanism that eliminates the need for a cam by using a motor, gear system, and feed screw to displace the locking pin in the same direction as the charging connector's insertion/removal, allowing for a simpler configuration and reduced dimensions by optimizing the positional relationship between the feed screw and locking pin relative to the vehicle inlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam is used in the locking pin driving mechanism, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cam component from the locking pin driving mechanism, replacing it with a motor, gear system, and feed screw assembly. This extraction of the cam eliminates the complexity and space requirements associated with cam-based mechanisms while maintaining the essential locking function through the new motor-driven linear actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam-based actuation system with an electromechanical system consisting of a motor, gear train, and feed screw. This substitution transforms the purely mechanical cam-follower mechanism into an electrically-controlled linear positioning system, reducing mechanical complexity and enabling more precise control of the locking pin displacement.
2Reliability
If the locking pin is disposed perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of disposing the locking pin perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction of the charging connector, the patent inverts this arrangement by positioning the locking pin parallel to the insertion/removal direction. This inversion allows the locking mechanism to operate within the same linear space as the connector movement, thereby reducing the overall device dimensions while maintaining effective locking capability.
3Device complexity
If the locking pin driving mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity reduces, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the locking mechanism by transitioning from cam-based mechanical actuation to motor-driven linear positioning. This parameter change enables a simpler overall structure while maintaining reliability through the use of a multi-component electromechanical system (motor, gears, feed screw) that provides controlled, repeatable, and reliable locking pin displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven feed screw mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise positioning of the locking pin, controlled displacement in both locking and unlocking directions, and reliable force transmission. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable operation.
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 enables a compact and simplified locking pin driving mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection during charging while allowing easy removal after charging, addressing the complexity and space issues of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a preceding gear to be driven by the motor, a round gear that meshes with the preceding gear, a feed screw coaxially fixed to the round gear
Data Source
AI summary
A locking pin driving mechanism includes a motor, a preceding gear, a round gear, a feed screw and a slider. The feed screw is coaxially fixed to the round gear. A locking pin is mounted in the slider. A center axis of the locking pin and a center axis of the feed screw are each disposed in parallel with a center axis of a vehicle inlet. An interaxial distance between the center axis of the vehicle inlet and the center axis of the feed screw is set to be larger than an interaxial distance between the center axis of the vehicle inlet and the center axis of the locking pin.