Universal Charging Plug Holder Using Contact-Portion Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging devices for electric vehicles are limited by the need for manufacturer-specific charging plug holders, which restrict compatibility with different charging plug standards like CCS and CHAdeMO, leading to technical and economic disadvantages due to the requirement for customized mechanical interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a charging plug holder that securely holds charging plugs by their standardized contact portion, rather than the grip, using a depression designed to fit any charging standard, ensuring compatibility and reducing the need for manufacturer-specific adaptations, with features like frictional engagement, drainage channels, and optional backlighting for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging plug holders are designed to hold the entire charging plug including the grip, then the charging plug is securely held, but compatibility with different charging plug standards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the holding function from the entire charging plug and applies it only to the essential contact portion. The depression in the charging plug holder is specifically shaped to receive only the contact portion (pin) of the charging plug, leaving the grip and other parts free. This allows the same holder design to accommodate different charging plug standards (CCS, CHAdeMO, etc.) while still providing secure holding through the standardized contact portion interface.
2Reliability
If manufacturer-specific charging plug holders are used, then the charging plug is securely held, but device complexity and manufacturing constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal charging plug holder design that can accommodate multiple charging plug standards through a single depression interface. The depression is designed to receive the standardized contact portion common to different charging standards (CCS, CHAdeMO, etc.), making the charging device compatible with various plug types without requiring manufacturer-specific adaptations. This reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for multiple specialized holders.
3Reliability
If the charging plug holder adapts to the grip shape, then the charging plug is securely held, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the holding function locally at the contact portion of the charging plug rather than adapting to the entire plug shape including the grip. The depression is specifically designed to match the standardized contact portion geometry, which is consistent across different charging standards. This approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating custom holders for each plug model, while still providing reliable holding through the critical contact area.
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 solution enables universal compatibility with various charging plug standards, reduces manufacturing constraints, and enhances user experience through improved water protection and intuitive plug handling, while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The contact portion of the charging plug is held in a frictionally engaged manner by the first depression in the standby state
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device for an electric vehicle is equipped with a housing, power electronics arranged in the housing, a charging cable which is connected to the power electronics, leads out of the housing and has a charging plug on a distal end, and a charging plug holder arranged on the housing. The charging plug has a grip and a contact portion. The charging plug holder is configured to hold the charging plug. Accordingly, the charging plug holder has a first depression, which is dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the contact portion of the charging plug in an insertion direction and to hold the charging plug when the charging device is in a standby state.