Charging Socket Housing With Integrated Drainage and Bracket Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging sockets for electric or hybrid vehicles have separate and distinct drainage and fixing elements, which result in large dimensions, high plastic usage, complex molding processes, and increased environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A charging socket design where the drainage element and fixing element are molded as a single dual-functional component, reducing overall dimensions, simplifying the molding process, and minimizing plastic usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drainage element and fixing element are used, then each element can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall dimensions increase and plastic usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drainage element and fixing element into a single integrated component molded from a single piece of plastic. The drainage channels and fixing protrusions are formed as unified structures within the same molded part, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining both drainage and fixing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides drainage channels for fluid discharge, includes fixing protrusions for mechanical attachment, and maintains structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the charging socket assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate drainage element and fixing element are used, then each element can be independently manufactured, but the molding process becomes complex and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage and fixing elements are combined into a single molded part, allowing both features to be produced in one continuous molding process. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality checks for multiple components, thereby reducing production time and increasing productivity.
3Reliability
If separate drainage element and fixing element are used, then each element can be optimized for its material properties, but the amount of plastic required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates multiple elements into a single plastic component, reducing the total volume of material required. The shared walls and structures between the drainage and fixing elements eliminate redundant material usage while maintaining the structural integrity and functional performance of both features.
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
The single dual-functional component reduces production time and costs, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances the compactness and handling of the charging socket.
Implementation Method 1
the fluids flow inside the drainage channels because of gravity
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a charging socket, for example for a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising an electrically insulating housing, one or more cavities for inserting one or more electrical contacts, which are located within the housing, and a dual-functional feature partially protruding from an outer surface of the housing and comprising a fixing component and a drainage component. The fixing component protrudes from the electrically insulating housing and is configured for fixing the electrically insulating housing to a protective mounting bracket and the drainage component includes at least one drainage channel, formed within the housing, for discharging fluids from the charging socket. The dual-functional feature thus performs both a drainage and a fixing functions and it is easy to mold and saves production time and costs.