Rotating Seat Caddy for Electric Vehicle Charging Cable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles, particularly electric motorcycles, face challenges in storing and accessing charging cables efficiently due to limited storage capabilities and the need for convenient charging at various power outlets.
Innovation Solution
A seat caddy system that rotates from a stowed position to a presentation position when the seat is moved, allowing the charging cable to be easily accessed and connected to both the vehicle's charging port and a power outlet, enabling on-the-go charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging cable is stored in a fixed location under the seat, then the cable is protected and organized, but the cable is difficult to access when charging is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate between a stowed position (under the seat) and a presentation position (accessible). This dynamic positioning mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling easy cable access while maintaining a compact, organized storage configuration when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy utilizes rotational movement around a pivot axis to transition between positions, adding a dimensional aspect to the storage system. This allows the cable to be stored compactly in one dimension (under the seat) while being easily accessible in another dimension (presentation position), resolving the accessibility-complexity trade-off.
2Ease of operation
If the seat is designed for user comfort and stability, then the seat structure is rigid and fixed, but the seat cannot be moved to access the charging cable
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is segmented into two independent functional components: the seat itself (maintaining stability and comfort) and the caddy (providing mobility and access). The caddy rotates independently on a pivot axis, allowing cable access without compromising the seat's structural integrity or user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed seat and the movable caddy. This intermediate element enables the caddy to rotate and present the charging cable while the seat remains stable and fixed, resolving the contradiction between seat stability and access mobility.
3Volume of stationary object
If the caddy is positioned to maximize storage space, then the caddy is located deep under the seat, but the charging port becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy transitions from a static, deep-under-seat position to a dynamic, rotatable position. When rotated to the presentation position, the caddy brings the charging port within easy reach of the user while maintaining its storage function, resolving the contradiction between maximizing storage volume and ensuring charging port accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle rechargeable via electric power transferred from a power outlet separate from the vehicle includes a seat movable between a first position for supporting a person and a second position. A caddy is positioned below the seat to define a cable storage volume. The cable storage volume is accessible when the seat is in the second position. A charging port is positioned outside of the caddy and accessible with the seat in the first position. A charging cable is positioned within the caddy, the charging cable having a first end engageable with the charging port of the vehicle and a second end engageable with the power outlet. The first and second ends of the charging cable are removable from the caddy when the seat is in the second position to enable charging the electric vehicle via the charging cable and the charging port.