Sliding Vehicle Charger Routing Structure for Compact Wire Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle charging devices require significant space for routing structures due to the need for electric wires to follow the movement of sliding components, which limits their compactness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle charging device with a base unit fixed to the floor and a sliding body that includes a U-shaped curved routing structure between the base unit and the sliding body, allowing the routing structure to change position and follow the movement of the sliding body, thereby minimizing the required space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a routing structure is provided to allow electric wires to follow the movement of the sliding body, then the charging device can maintain electrical connection during sliding, but the space required for the routing structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidrouting structure space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The routing structure incorporates a curved portion configured in a U-shape that allows the electric wire to flexibly follow the sliding body's movement. This curved configuration reduces the space required compared to rigid routing while maintaining continuous electrical connection during the sliding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The routing structure is designed to dynamically adapt its position as the sliding body moves. The curved portion of the routing structure changes its configuration during sliding, allowing the electric wire to maintain connection without requiring excessive space for routing accommodations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the routing structure is made compact to reduce space, then the charging device becomes more compact, but the ability to follow sliding body movement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting structure spaceVSAvoidmovement following capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped curved portion provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability for the routing structure to follow the sliding body's movement path. This curvature allows the routing to accommodate various positions of the sliding body while maintaining a compact overall configuration that minimizes space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250100404A1Vehicle charging device

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A vehicle charging device includes a base unit, a sliding body on which a connector is disposed that is fit with an inlet in a vehicle, the sliding body being slidably supported by the base unit, and a routing structure that is routed between the base unit and the sliding body, has a curved portion curved in a U-shape, and follows a movement of the sliding body while changing a position of the curved portion. The routing structure includes, for example, a first exterior member, a first electric wire inserted into the first exterior member, a second exterior member, and a second electric wire inserted into the second exterior member, an outer diameter of the second electric wire is smaller than an outer diameter of the first electric wire, and the second exterior member is disposed alongside the first exterior member.