Rollable EV Charging Port Cover for Compact Body Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging interfaces for electric vehicles require significant installation space due to non-compact designs, which can be a challenge in vehicle body integration.

Innovation Solution

A compact charging interface device with a rollable interface cover, comprising a plurality of slats connected like chain links, that can be rolled up or down around a charging interface shaft, utilizing an electric drive for simplified operation and reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a traditional charging interface cover is used, then the charging port is protected, but the installation space required is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcharging port protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging interface cover is designed as a rollable dynamic structure that can be wound around a charging interface shaft, transforming from a static fixed cover to a dynamic compact form that requires minimal installation space while maintaining protection functionality when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rollable cover structure allows the cover material to be nested around the charging interface shaft when not in use, creating a compact configuration that significantly reduces the space required in the vehicle body while still providing full coverage protection when extended

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the interface cover is made compact and rollable, then installation space is reduced, but the complexity of the mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidrollable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual operation of rolling and unrolling the cover is replaced by an electric drive mechanism that automatically controls the rotation of the charging interface shaft, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining the compact rollable structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging interface shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the axis around which the cover rolls, provides structural support for the charging port, and serves as the mounting point for the electric drive mechanism, thereby reducing the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the interface cover is made rollable, then installation space is reduced, but the ease of operation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcover operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of rolling the cover is replaced by an electric drive system that can be controlled via button or electronic signal, making the operation easier and more convenient for the user while maintaining the compact rollable design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240337146A1Charging interface device of an electric vehicle with a traction battery

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A charging interface device of an electric vehicle having a traction battery including a charging interface for receiving a plug of a charging cable for charging the traction battery. A charging port, into which the charging interface is arranged, is releasable or closable with the aid of an interface cover. The interface cover is configured to be rollable.