Vehicle Power Plug Assembly With Automatic Line Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering electricity, fluids, or gases to vehicles and objects often fail to ensure safe isolation of live wires from the ground and structures, leading to potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A delivery apparatus with a drive mechanism and boom that extends and retracts a supply line, featuring a plug assembly with automatic disconnection upon predetermined conditions, such as brake pressure release or ignition, and a control system that energizes the line only when properly connected, ensuring safe power delivery and retraction to prevent ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual retraction of the supply line is used, then the system structure is simple, but the safety is reduced due to potential ground contact and electrical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is configured to automatically retract the supply line upon detection of predetermined conditions (brake pressure release, ignition signal, or disconnection) before the vehicle moves or the plug is removed, preventing ground contact and electrical hazards in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle apparatus includes sensors that detect brake pressure, ignition signals, and plug connection status, providing feedback to the control system which then activates the drive mechanism to retract the supply line when predetermined conditions are met
2Reliability
If automatic disconnection features are added, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle apparatus integrates multiple functions including plug reception, electrical connection, brake pressure sensing, ignition signal detection, and automatic ejection actuation into a single multi-functional unit, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The control system combines multiple detection functions (brake pressure sensor, ignition signal detector, plug position sensor) and the ejection actuator into an integrated automatic disconnection system that operates based on predetermined conditions
3Ease of operation
If the supply line remains extended, then the ease of operation is improved for power delivery, but the safety deteriorates due to potential contact with ground or structures
Solution Approach 1:
The supply line positioning system transitions from a static extended state to a dynamic state that automatically retracts upon detection of predetermined conditions, adapting the line position based on operational status and safety requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a plug assembly configured to be inserted into a receptacle apparatus of a vehicle to deliver electrical power to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a control means configured to, upon activation, deliver electrical power to the vehicle via an electrical line and the plug assembly, and, upon detection of at least one predetermined condition, automatically disconnect the electrical power from the electrical line and the plug assembly. The predetermined condition includes disconnection of the plug assembly from the receptacle apparatus.