Charging Socket Cover Mechanism for Automated Robot Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric vehicles require manual operation to open or close the charging socket cover, hindering complete automation and increasing costs due to the need for additional cover opening/closing robots or modified charging robots.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with a charging socket, a charging robot, a movable charging socket cover, and a cover locker mechanism that integrates a cover lever and cam profile to automate the opening and closing of the socket cover through rectilinear or rotational movements, using elastic members and plunger mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation is used to open or close the charging socket cover, then the charging process cannot be completely automated, but the system complexity and costs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging robot's connector with a cover lever that integrates into the charging socket cover. The charging robot performs both connector insertion and cover opening/closing functions through a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cover operation systems and achieving complete automation without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging robot is designed with multi-functionality, where the same robotic mechanism that inserts the charging connector also operates the charging socket cover through the integrated cover lever. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple functions (connector handling and cover operation), reducing the need for additional specialized components
2Extent of automation
If a separate cover opening/closing robot is added to automate the cover operation, then complete automation is achieved, but costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate cover operation robot, the patent merges the cover operation function into the existing charging robot by integrating a cover lever with the connector. This single integrated mechanism allows the charging robot to simultaneously handle both connector insertion and cover operation, avoiding the need for additional robotic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The charging robot is designed with multi-functionality, where the same robotic mechanism that inserts the charging connector also operates the charging socket cover through the integrated cover lever. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple functions (connector handling and cover operation), reducing the need for additional specialized components
3Extent of automation
If the charging robot structure is modified to grip and pull the charging socket cover handle, then cover automation is achieved, but design freedom and spatial utilization are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the charging robot to grip and pull the cover handle externally, the patent inverts the approach by integrating the cover lever directly into the charging socket cover structure itself. The cover lever becomes part of the cover assembly, allowing the charging robot to operate it through simple contact during the insertion process, thereby maintaining design freedom and spatial utilization
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
Enables fully automated charging processes by simplifying the opening and closing of charging socket covers, reducing costs, and enhancing design freedom without the need for additional robots, thus improving user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cam plunger provided in the charging socket cover so as to come into elastic contact with the cam profile
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging an object is introduced. The system may comprise a charging socket provided in the object and configured to couple to a charger, a charging robot configured to move the charger, a charging socket cover provided on the object and configured to move, based on contact of the charging robot, from a closed position, where the charging socket cover closes the charging socket, to an open position, where the charging socket cover opens the charging socket, and a cover locker configured to secure the charging socket cover disposed at the closed position or the open position.