Rotatable Charging Socket Adapter for Multi-Geometry Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The varying geometries and configurations of charging connectors for electric vehicles complicate the internal cabling and connection to charging sockets, requiring specific adaptations for each type, which increases manufacturing complexity and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system with a contact surface that can be rotated to a predetermined position relative to the connection axis, allowing a single type of connector to be used with multiple charging socket geometries, featuring a fastening element that attaches to the charging socket and maintains perpendicular orientation during rotation, and guide elements to adapt the contact arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different charging socket geometries are supported, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing is designed with a universal contact surface that can be rotated to accommodate different charging socket geometries (single-phase, two-phase, three-phase configurations). This single adapter component performs multiple functions by changing its rotational position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and simplifying the overall system while maintaining compatibility with various charging standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter housing incorporates rotational freedom around the connection axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the contact surface orientation. This dynamic capability enables the same physical adapter to adapt to different socket geometries by rotating to the appropriate angular position, providing versatility without increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a universal connector is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
While the adapter housing is universal, the contact surface features locally optimized contact openings arranged in specific geometric patterns (triangular for single-phase, D-shaped for three-phase). These localized contact arrangements ensure reliable electrical connections for each specific socket type, maintaining connection stability despite the universal nature of the adapter body.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter housing is pre-configured with contact openings in predetermined geometric arrangements that correspond to different charging socket standards. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the adapter is rotated to the correct position, the contacts automatically align with the corresponding socket contacts, guaranteeing reliable connection without requiring additional adjustment or modification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter system (1) for the electrical connection of a connector (2) of a cabling (3) to different contact arrangements (4) of different charging sockets (5, 6) along a connection axis (7), comprising an adapter housing (8), which, at an end (9) on the socket side, comprises a contact surface (10) extending substantially perpendicular to the connection axis (7) and having contact openings (11) that can be penetrated along the connection axis (7), and which, at an end (12) on the cable side, comprises a cabling interface (13) for connecting the connector (2). The adapter system (1) further comprises at least one fastening element (15) for attaching the adapter housing (8) to the charging sockets (5, 6), where the end (9) of the adapter housing (8) on the socket side is attachable in dependence of the contact arrangement (4) to the respective charging socket (5, 6) by way of the at least one fastening element (15) with its contact surface (10) in a pre-determined rotational position (R1, R2) relative to the connection axis (7).