Vertical Charging Socket for Multi-Height Micromobility Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electrical micromobility vehicles are not compatible with different types of vehicles, as they require specific connector heights, limiting versatility and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A charging system featuring a post with a vertically arranged socket having a longitudinal opening of adjustable height, allowing plugs from various vehicles to be inserted at different positions, ensuring compatibility with multiple vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging station is designed with a fixed connector height to ensure proper electrical connection, then reliable charging is achieved, but compatibility with different vehicle types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the socket opening height adjustable rather than fixed. The socket can be positioned at different heights along the post to match various vehicle connector positions, while maintaining reliable electrical connection through spring-loaded contact means that adapt to the plug position. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the charging station to dynamically adapt its connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a charging station that can serve multiple vehicle types (scooters, bicycles, motorcycles) with different connector heights through a single adjustable socket mechanism. The socket can be repositioned vertically along the post and the spring-loaded contacts provide universal electrical connection capability across different vehicle configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charging station uses cable connectors to accommodate different vehicles, then vehicle compatibility is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to troublesome connection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded contact means that automatically engage with the plug when inserted into the socket. The user simply needs to insert the plug into the socket at the appropriate height, and the spring-loaded contacts automatically establish electrical connection without requiring the user to manually connect individual cables or perform complex connection procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket opening height is increased to accommodate various vehicle types, then vehicle compatibility is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access or tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the spring-loaded contact means as an intermediary mechanism between the socket and the plug. These contacts are positioned within the enclosed socket structure and only become accessible when a properly sized plug is inserted. This intermediary mechanism allows electrical connection for authorized vehicles while preventing unauthorized access, as the spring-loaded contacts are protected within the socket opening and will not engage with unauthorized objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging electrical micromobility vehicles includes a post (20); a socket (30) located in the post (20); and a plug (40) to be mounted on the vehicle. The socket (30) has a longitudinal opening (34) arranged vertically on the post (20). The height (H) of the opening (34) of the socket (30) is larger than the height (h) of the plug (40). The socket (30) has a socket first and second contact means (31, 32). The plug (40) has a plug first and second contact means (41, 42) arranged so that when the plug (40) is inserted into the socket (30) at any position along the height (H) of the opening (34), the socket first and second contact means (31, 32) form an electrical connection with the corresponding plug first and second contact means (41, 42).