Releasable Charging Cable Tie-Down With Strain Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle charging systems face challenges in securely attaching the charging interface to a lower surface, leading to unintended movement due to external forces, which can cause damage or safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A releasable coupling system is used, where one end is secured to the charging interface and the other end is attached to a lower surface, designed to release when a strain exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing damage and ensuring safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the charging interface is securely attached to the lower surface, then stability and safety are improved, but the ability to release under excessive force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidrelease capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system transitions from a static secure attachment to a dynamic system that can change state based on applied force. The releasable coupling mechanism remains engaged under normal conditions but automatically disengages when strain exceeds the release threshold, allowing the system to adapt to varying force conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed with specific mechanical parameters (release threshold strain) that change the state of attachment. When the applied force causes strain to exceed this parameter threshold, the coupling transitions from an attached state to a released state, providing conditional security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the charging interface is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but damage from excessive force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoiddamage from excessive force

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The releasable coupling mechanism serves as a pre-designed failure point that protects the charging interface from excessive force. By anticipating potential over-force scenarios, the system is designed to release before damage can occur, cushioning the system against harmful forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harmful effect of excessive force is converted into a beneficial release mechanism. The strain that could cause damage is instead utilized to trigger the release condition, transforming a harmful force into a protective action that prevents damage to the charging interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11724609B2Charging cable tie-down

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for releasably attaching a charging interface (that is coupled to an overhead cable) to a lower surface, thereby helping contribute to limiting unintended movement of the charging interface. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a releasable coupling. An upper interface is configured to secure a first end of the releasable coupling to an implement at an end of an overhead cable that extends downwardly from an overhead body. A lower interface is configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable coupling to a lower surface. The lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable coupling responsive to a strain on the lower interface in excess of a release threshold.