Retractable Vehicle Fueling Receptacle Cover for Automated Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle fueling and charging systems require manual intervention for opening and closing the fuel receptacle cover, which obstructs automated charging and is not standardized, posing challenges for electric vehicles and physically impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vehicle fuel receptacle cover that automatically opens and closes upon instruction from the vehicle's onboard electronic control system, using Spring Loaded Pins and a Servo Motor to retract within the vehicle body, eliminating the need for external equipment and ensuring unimpeded access for charging equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual fuel receptacle cover is used, then the cover can be easily manufactured and operated, but it requires manual intervention that obstructs automated charging and is not standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel receptacle cover is transformed from a static manual operation mechanism to a dynamic automated system. The cover incorporates an actuator that enables it to open and close automatically in response to charging signals, allowing robotic charging equipment to access the fuel inlet without manual intervention while maintaining the ability to be opened when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel receptacle cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the fuel inlet during normal operation, opens automatically to facilitate automated charging operations, and can be manually opened if needed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both automation and manual operation capabilities within a single system.
2Ease of operation
If the fuel receptacle cover opens outward, then it is simple in structure, but it becomes an obstacle for automated charging equipment engagement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the conventional outward-opening mechanism, the fuel receptacle cover is designed to open inward toward the vehicle body. This inverted approach eliminates the obstacle problem for automated charging equipment while maintaining structural simplicity. The cover retracts into the vehicle body rather than protruding outward, allowing charging equipment to engage the fuel inlet unimpeded.
3Extent of automation
If a standardized charging connector is used, then automated charging can be achieved, but the fuel receptacle cover must be modified to work with automation
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel receptacle cover incorporates an integrated actuator that enables it to open and close automatically in response to charging signals. This self-service capability allows the cover to work seamlessly with standardized charging connectors and automated charging equipment without requiring complex external control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between automation and device 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
Enables seamless, automated fueling and charging without human intervention, enhancing accessibility for electric vehicles and physically impaired users by preventing the cover from obstructing charging equipment and allowing manual override in case of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
Spring Loaded Pins
Implementation Method 2
Servo Motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically retracting a vehicle fueling receptacle lid, storing the lid within the body of the vehicle, and automatically returning the lid to its original protective position, such that the vehicle fueling receptacle lid will retract automatically upon instruction from the vehicle's onboard electronic control system and, further, will return to its original position, wherein it serves to protect the fueling inlet (whether such inlet allows for the storage of liquid fuel or for electrical charging), upon completion of a fueling or charging session, as instructed by the vehicle's onboard electronic control system.