Automated Socket Cover and Plug Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sockets for electromobility lack operational safety and user-friendly handling, particularly in ensuring secure plug engagement and automatic operation without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A socket with a housing accommodating two actuators, one for electrically pivoting the cover and another for securing the plug, along with a control unit that includes a proximity sensor for non-contact opening and a locking mechanism for secure plug engagement, ensuring safe and automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual opening of the socket cover is required, then the structure remains simple, but user convenience and operational safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical opening operation with an automated sensor-based system. The proximity sensor detects when a plug approaches the socket and automatically triggers the cover to open, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving user convenience while maintaining structural feasibility through electronic control integration.
2Ease of operation
If the socket is always accessible, then ease of use is improved, but operational safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically opening the cover in advance before the plug makes contact with the socket. The proximity sensor detects the approaching plug and triggers the opening mechanism beforehand, ensuring the socket is ready for connection while maintaining safety through controlled, condition-based access rather than constant accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If automatic opening based on proximity detection is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of unintentional opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the proximity sensor continuously monitors the environment and the control unit processes the sensor signals to make intelligent decisions about cover opening. The system only opens the cover when the detected object matches the expected plug characteristics and when no other objects are nearby, providing feedback-based verification that prevents unintentional opening while maintaining high automation for legitimate use cases.
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
Enhances operational safety and user convenience by automatically opening and closing the socket, securing the plug during current draw, and preventing unintentional detachment, while ensuring the socket is only energized when a plug is properly inserted and locked.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit has a proximity sensor by means of which the control unit detects a person approaching the socket housing and/or an object approaching the socket housing
Implementation Method 2
the first actuator serves to bring about an electromotive pivoting movement of the cover
Implementation Method 3
The second actuator serves to secure a plug contacting the contact device in its position when current is drawn. For this purpose, the second actuator interacts with a locking element, which can be moved by an electric motor by means of the second actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A power outlet for drawing power by means of a plug, comprising a housing (2) and a contact device (16) therein, the contact device having a plurality of receptacles (52) each equipped with a contact socket (47) in the final assembly state, wherein the housing (2) has a plug opening (4) that can be closed by means of a pivotably designed cover (5) for plug access to the contact device (16), characterized by a first actuator (13) housed in the housing (2), which in the case of operation serves an electromechanical pivoting movement of the cover (5), and a second actuator (38) housed in the housing (2), which in the case of power withdrawal serves an electromechanical movement of a locking element for securing the position of a plug contacting the contact device (16), wherein a control unit (42) that interacts at least with the first actuator (13) is provided.which uses a proximity sensor to detect a person and/or object approaching the can housing (2) and, if a predefinable proximity distance is not reached, sends a control signal to the first actuator (13) to pivot the lid (5) into an open position.