Work Vehicle Hood Charge Ports for Fast Charging Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicles lack efficient and conveniently located charging ports, which can hinder rapid charging and increase operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The electric work vehicle, such as an EV tractor, incorporates a hood with multiple charge ports, including DC and AC ports, strategically located on the hood surface for easy access and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple charge ports are added to enable rapid charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charge ports (first charge port and second charge port) that can operate simultaneously or independently. Each charge port has its own cover (first cover and second cover) that can be opened or closed independently, allowing selective access to different charging connections without affecting the entire charging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If charge ports are made accessible for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from external factors worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprotection from external factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covers of the charge ports are designed to be movable between open and closed states. When charging is needed, the covers can be opened to expose the charge ports for easy connection. When not in use, the covers close to protect the charge ports from external factors such as water, dust, and debris. The dynamic nature of the covers allows the system to adapt between accessibility and protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250135923A1Electric work vehicle including plurality of external charge ports

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

An electric work vehicle includes a hood, a battery housing including a battery housing portion that houses a plurality of battery modules, and a plurality of charge ports to connect to an external power source to charge the plurality of battery modules. Each of the plurality of charge ports is located at a surface of the hood.