Electric Charge Receptacle Illumination for Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric charge receptacles for vehicles lack illumination features, making them difficult to recognize and use in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source, such as LEDs, within the receptacle housing that is connected to a power source, providing illumination for enhanced visibility and recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to the electric charge receptacle, then visibility and recognition are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing receptacle housing by integrating a light source and diffuser into the housing structure. This merging approach adds lighting capability while minimizing additional components, thus improving visibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural containment for the prongs and simultaneously acts as a housing for the illumination system with integrated diffuser. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, addressing the contradiction between added functionality and device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source with diffuser is integrated into the housing, then illumination quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is integrated directly into the receptacle housing structure, combining two components (housing and diffuser) into one. This integration simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of parts to manufacture separately, thereby improving illumination quality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 addition of a light source improves the visibility and usability of electric charge receptacles, enhancing the charging experience for vehicle users by providing a clear and recognizable interface.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric charge receptacle for a vehicle configured to be used with an electric plug includes a housing, a plurality of prongs, and a light source. The plurality of prongs are disposed within the housing, and are configured to mate with the electric plug. The light source is disposed within the housing.