Vehicle Charging Interface with Movable Flap and Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle charging systems require separate AC and DC interfaces, leading to complexity and confusion, especially for non-owners, as they need to handle two different charging mechanisms, increasing system complexity and handling difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a movable covering flap and latching mechanism that automatically switches between AC and DC interfaces based on plug insertion, ensuring only the correct interface is accessible and automatically returns to a closed position after charging, reducing user complexity and preventing incorrect plug insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate AC and DC interfaces are provided for dual charging functionality, then both AC and DC charging options are available, but system complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging optionVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both AC and DC interfaces into a single integrated connection device housing. The covering flap mechanism unifiedly manages access to both interfaces, allowing one component to serve multiple functions. This merging reduces the number of separate interface assemblies and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining dual charging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The covering flap is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: it covers both AC and DC interfaces when closed, can be positioned to expose only the AC interface for standard charging, and can be opened to expose the DC interface for direct current charging. This universal component eliminates the need for separate covering mechanisms for each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate AC and DC interfaces are provided, then dual charging functionality is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to confusion for non-owners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering flap can be selectively positioned to expose only the AC interface for standard charging operations, while keeping the DC interface covered and hidden. This local exposure principle ensures that users encounter only the simple AC charging option during normal use, eliminating confusion. The DC interface remains accessible but hidden, available only when specifically needed and properly accessed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The covering flap acts as an intermediary element between the user and the two different charging interfaces. By controlling what is visible and accessible, it mediates the interaction complexity. During standard charging, the flap presents only the familiar AC interface. For DC charging, the user must intentionally open the flap to access the DC interface, creating a clear distinction between normal and special operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If DC interface is always accessible, then DC charging is available, but risk of incorrect plug insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidincorrect insertion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covering flap provides preliminary protection by physically blocking access to the DC interface during standard charging operations. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful event of incorrect plug insertion before it can occur. The DC interface remains hidden behind the closed flap, making it inaccessible to plugs that should only connect to the AC interface, thereby preventing mismatched connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of operation

If covering flap is always open, then DC interface is accessible, but system security and cleanliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface accessibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covering flap provides preliminary protection for the DC interface by maintaining a closed position during normal operations. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination, dust accumulation, and unauthorized access to the DC interface. The interface remains clean and protected until the flap is intentionally opened for specific DC charging needs, at which point the latching mechanism secures it in the open position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11121496B2Connection device for charging a battery device on a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A connection device for charging a battery device on a vehicle has an alternating current (AC) interface for receiving an AC plug and a direct current (DC) interface for receiving a DC plug. The DC interface has a cover flap mounted movably between a closed position that covers the DC interface and an open position that exposes the DC interface. The direct current interface has a latching mechanism with a latching means on the cover flap. The latching means locks with a mating latching means of the cover flap when in the open position. The mating latching means has an actuating section with which the DC plug makes a contact thereby unlocking the latching means of the latching mechanism when the DC plug is received in the DC interface.