Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of an automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure provides a charging assembly integrated with a vehicle to enhance seamless charging experience for users.

BACKGROUND
[002] Most electric vehicles require an external charger, necessitating its transportation and consuming valuable boot space. Carrying an external charger at all times may be inconvenient and prone to being forgotten. Individuals transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles often find an inconvenient charging experience due to unfamiliarity with the process. Additionally, cable management becomes problematic with external chargers as cables tend to get tangled, further complicating the charging experience.
[003] Therefore, there is, a need to address at least the above-mentioned drawbacks and any other shortcomings, or at the very least, provide a valuable alternative to a charging assembly.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[004] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and a reliable system that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of existing systems and methods, enabling a seamless implementation of a charging assembly.
[005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging assembly integrated with a vehicle.
[006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a retractable cable module that is removably attached to a headstock pipe.
[007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an outer panel that includes an outlet to receive a charging cable from the retractable cable module to connect with an external power source.
[008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging cable that is being pulled by a user through an outlet of an outer panel to connect a connector of the charging cable to an external power source.
[009] Yet another object of the present disclosure provides a system and method to detect a pluck motion on a charging cable provided by a user to wind the charging cable into a retractable cable module.

SUMMARY
[010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure provides a charging assembly integrated with a vehicle to enhance seamless charging experience for users.
[011] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a charging assembly integrated with a vehicle. The charging assembly includes a headstock pipe, and a retractable cable module including a charging cable. The retractable cable module is removably attached to the headstock pipe using an attaching element. The charging assembly includes an outer panel including an outlet to receive the charging cable from the retractable cable module to connect with an external power source.
[012] In an embodiment, a charging unit may be attached within the vehicle. The charging unit may receive a power supply from the external power source via the charging cable to charge a battery in the vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the retractable cable module may be equipped with a spring-loaded retraction unit. The spring-loaded retraction unit may include a centre part associated with a torsion spring to hold the charging cable.
[014] In an embodiment, the charging cable may be wound and unwound in the retractable cable module using a ratchet mechanism and a pawl mechanism.
[015] In an embodiment, when the charging cable is pulled out from the retractable cable module, the pawl mechanism may engage with the ratchet mechanism to prevent the charging cable from winding back to the retractable cable module.
[016] In an embodiment, when a user provides a tug force to the charging cable, the pawl mechanism may be disengaged from the ratchet mechanism to wind the charging cable within the retractable cable module.
[017] In an embodiment, the charging cable may be wound and unwound in the retractable cable module using a motor.
[018] In an embodiment, the charging assembly may include an auxiliary battery, at least one sensor, and a controller connected to the auxiliary battery and the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to detect that a closing member is moved from a first position to a second position using the at least one sensor and send a first control signal to the motor to unwind the charging cable. Further, the controller may detect a pluck motion on the charging cable using the at least one sensor and send a second control signal to the motor to wind the charging cable.
[019] In an embodiment, the closing member may be attached in the outer panel to cover the outlet when the closing member is in the first position and to uncover the outlet when the closing member is in the second position.
[020] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to detect an external resistance on the charging cable and send a third control signal to the motor to stop a retraction of the charging cable. Further, the controller may be configured to send a first command signal to a feedback unit to provide an alert signal to a user.
[021] In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to send a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance.
[022] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for handling a charging assembly in a vehicle. The method includes detecting, by a controller associated with the charging assembly, a closing member being moved from a first position to a second position to uncover an outlet, where the outlet is integrated with an outer panel of the vehicle, and sending, by the controller, a first control signal to a controlling element to unwind a charging cable accommodated within a retractable cable module based on the detection The retractable cable module is placed on a headstock pipe of the vehicle. The charging cable is being pulled by a user from the retractable cable module via the outlet. Further, the method includes detecting, by the controller, a pluck motion on the charging cable provided by the user, and sending, by the controller, a second control signal to the controlling element to wind the charging cable into the retractable cable module based on the detection of the pluck motion.
[023] In an embodiment, the controlling element may include at least one of: a motor, a pawl mechanism, and a ratchet mechanism.
[024] In an embodiment, the method may include detecting, by the controller, that the charging cable is being pulled by the user, and sending, by the controller, a first control command to the pawl mechanism and the ratchet mechanism to engage the pawl mechanism with the ratchet mechanism for preventing the charging cable from winding back to the retractable cable module.
[025] In an embodiment, the method may include detecting, by the controller, a tug force on the charging cable provided by the user, and sending, by the controller, a second control command to the pawl mechanism to disengage with the ratchet mechanism to wind the charging cable within the retractable cable module.
[026] In an embodiment, the method may include detecting, by the controller, an external resistance on the charging cable and sending, by the controller, a first command signal to a feedback unit associated with the charging assembly to provide an alert signal to the user.
[027] In an embodiment, the method may include sending, by the controller, a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance.
[028] In an embodiment, the method may include detecting, by the controller, that the closing member is in the second position when the user starts the vehicle, and sending, by the controller, a third command signal to the feedback unit to provide the alert signal to the user.
[029] In an embodiment, the method may include monitoring, by the controller, a status of a charging unit associated with the charging assembly and detecting, by the controller, that the closing member is in the second position and the status of the charging unit is in a non-operating state for sending, by the controller, an alert notification to a user device associated with the user.
[030] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[032] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of an Electric Vehicle (EV), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[033] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram depicting an operation of a portable charger in a vehicle, in accordance with a prior art as disclosed herein.
[034] FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram of an integrated charging unit in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[035] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate schematic views of a charging assembly integrated with the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[036] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate schematic views of an outlet that integrates with an outer panel of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[037] FIG. 4 illustrates an example representation of a user interacting with a charging cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[038] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate schematic views depicting a mechanism for winding and unwinding the charging cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[039] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a motor mechanism for winding and unwinding the charging cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[040] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic view for implementing a detection of a pluck motion on the charging cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[041] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic view for implementing a detection of an external resistance on the charging cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[042] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method of user’s interaction with the charging assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[043] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method for preventing a user from riding the vehicle when the closing member is in an open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[044] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for implementing an indication of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) around the closing member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[045] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method for sending a notification to the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[046] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method for handling the charging assembly in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[047] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[048] For the purpose of understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[049] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[050] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[051] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[052] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[053] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[054] The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[055] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[056] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.
[057] An Electric Vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the electric vehicle may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the electric vehicle over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[058] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of an Electric Vehicle (EV), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[059] In construction, an EV (10) typically comprises a battery or battery pack (12) enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger (14), a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor (16) and an electric transmission system (18). The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery of an EV (10) (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV, wherein the battery (12) is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure (20). The battery may be charged using Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC), wherein in case of AC input, the on-board charger (14) converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery via the BMS. However, in case of DC charging, the on-board charger (14) is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery via the BMS.
[060] The battery (12) is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery (12) is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV (10) without the requirement of a host computer.
[061] The MCU primarily controls/regulates the operation of the electric motor based on the signal transmitted from the vehicle battery, wherein the primary functions of the MCU include starting of the electric motor (16), stopping the electric motor (16), controlling the speed of the electric motor (16), enabling the vehicle to move in the reverse direction and protect the electric motor (16) from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor (16) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, wherein the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV to facilitate movement of the EV. Additionally, the electric motor (16) also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking/deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV). The types of motors generally employed in EVs include, but are not limited to DC series motor, Brushless DC motor (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[062] The transmission system (18) of the EV (10) facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor (16) to the wheels (22a,22b) of the EV. Generally, the transmission systems (18) used in EVs include single speed transmission system and multi-speed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system, wherein the single speed transmission system comprises a single gear pair whereby the EV is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed/two-speed transmission system comprises a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitates higher torque and vehicle speed.
[063] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV (10) and/or charging infrastructure (20) are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud) (24), wherein the processed data is indicated to the rider/driver of the EV (10) through a display unit present in the dashboard (26) of the EV (10). In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[064] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram depicting an operation of a portable charger in a vehicle, in accordance with a prior art as disclosed herein.
[065] Referring to FIG. 1B, the portable charger receives an Alternate Current (AC) power supply from an external power source, where the portable charger converts the AC power supply to a Direct Current (DC) power supply and transfers the DC power supply to charge a battery of the vehicle. The portable charger for electric vehicles imposes constraints on users for constant carriage, resulting in inconvenience and a higher likelihood of being forgotten.
[066] Embodiments explained herein relate to automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging assembly integrated with a vehicle to enhance seamless charging experience for users. Various embodiments with respect to the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 1B-12.
[067] FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram of an integrated charging unit (104) in a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[068] Referring to FIG. 1C, the charging unit (104) is also represented as an onboard charger. The charging cable (204B) may receive an Alternate Current (AC) power supply from an external power source (102) and transfer the AC power supply to the onboard charger for converting the AC power to a Direct Current (DC) power supply. The onboard charger may be mounted within the vehicle (100) to prevent a user from carrying an external charger. This feature may eliminate a need to carry an external charger and comes with an auto-retractable charging cable (204B), so users need not worry about winding and unwinding each time to charge the vehicle (100). Thus, the proposed method may solve the inconvenience of carrying an external charger and tangled cables, making the transition to the vehicle (100) easier and more convenient for users.
[069] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate schematic views of a charging assembly (200B) integrated with a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[070] Referring to FIGs. 2A, the integration of the charging assembly (200B) represents a pivotal advancement in automotive technology. Moreover, the illustrated charging assembly (200B) enhances the user experience by optimizing the convenience and accessibility of electric vehicle charging. The strategic placement and incorporation of the charging infrastructure within the vehicle (100) exemplify a paradigm shift, revolutionizing the concept of on-the-go charging, thereby reducing the need for external, cumbersome charging equipment. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) may be, but not limited to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, cars, trucks, buses, vans, trains, aircraft, ships, and the like.
[071] Referring to FIGs. 2B, the charging assembly (200B) may include a headstock pipe (202) and a retractable cable module (204A) including a charging cable (204B), where the retractable cable module (204A) is removably attached to the headstock pipe (202) using an attaching element. For example, the attachment element may include, but not limited to, screws, bolts, clips, brackets, adhesive materials, or any fastening mechanism designed for securing or affixing the retractable cable module (204A) to the headstock pipe (202). An outer panel (206A) may include an outlet (206C) to receive the charging cable (204B) from the retractable cable module (204A) to connect with an external power source (102). In some embodiments, the retractable cable module (204A) may be mounted on a main frame behind a headlight of the vehicle (100).
[072] A charging unit (104) may be attached to the vehicle (100), where the charging unit (104) may receive a power supply from the external power source (102) via the charging cable (204B) to charge a battery (106) in the vehicle (100). In some embodiments, the charging unit (104) may be mounted on a lower part of the main frame behind the headstock pipe (202).
[073] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2C, the retractable cable module (204A) may be attached on the outer panel (206A) of the vehicle (100) and the charging unit (104) may be attached opposite to the headstock pipe (202).
[074] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate schematic views of an outlet (206C) that integrates with an outer panel (206A) of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[075] Referring to FIG. 3A, the outer panel (206A) may include a closing member (206B) to cover the outlet (206C), as observed in a side view (300A) of the vehicle (100). Referring to FIG. 3B, as observed in a front view (300B) of the vehicle (100), the closing member (206B) may be in a closing position i.e., a first position to cover the outlet (206C). Referring to FIG. 3C, the closing member (206B) may be moved from the closing position to an opened position i.e., a second position to uncover the outlet (206C).
[076] FIG. 4 illustrates an example representation of a user (402) interacting with a charging cable (204B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[077] Referring to FIG. 4, at (400A), the user (402) may stand in front of a vehicle (100), intending to open a closing member (206B). At (400B), the user (402) may provide input on the closing member (206B), where the input may be, but not limited to tapping, touching, actuating, and the like. In some embodiments, the user may transfer a signal from a user device to the closing member (206B) through a wireless medium such as Radio Frequency (RF), Near-Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and the like, to open/close the closing member (206B). At (400C), once the closing member (206B) is opened, the user (402) may pull a charging cable (204B) through an outlet (206C) of the vehicle (100). At step (400D), the user (402) may retract the charging cable (204B) to connect a connector (204C) of the charging cable (204B) to an external power source (102). In an embodiment, the closing member (206B) itself may be flushed along a surface of the vehicle (100). When the charging is completed, the charging cable (204B) may retract back into the retractable cable module (204A) to prevent wear and tear, dust accumulation, and exposure to an environment.
[078] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate schematic views depicting a mechanism (500A, 500B) for winding and unwinding a charging cable (204B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[079] The mechanism may include a housing unit or reels i.e., a retractable cable module (204A) that is equipped with a spring-loaded retraction unit, where the spring-loaded retraction unit may be supported by a torsion spring at its centre, which keeps the charging cable (204B) neatly wound and organized. In an embodiment, the mechanism (500A, 500B) may include a pawl (502A) and a ratchet (502B) for winding and unwinding the charging cable (204B). Referring to FIG. 5A, for example, initially the charging cable (204B) may be wound in a retractable cable module (204A) using the pawl (502A) and the ratchet (502B), where the pawl (502A) and the ratchet (502B) may be engaged with the ratchet (502B) before a user pulls the charging cable (204B). Once the user pulls the charging cable (204B), the pawl (502A) may disengage from the ratchet (502B) to unwind the charging cable (204B) corresponding to the pulling force provided by the user as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Once the user stops pulling the charging cable (204B) to connect a connector (204C) to an external power source (102), the pawl (502A) may engage with the ratchet (502B) to prevent the charging cable (204B) from winding back to the retractable cable module (204A). The mechanism (500A, 500B) may be particularly useful as it reduces chances of the charging cable (204B) pinching or unplugging while charging.
[080] Once a charging cycle is completed, the user may provide a gentle tug force on the charging cable (204B) to disengage the pawl (502A) from the ratchet (502B) to wind the charging cable (204B) back to the retractable cable module (204A). The mechanism (500A, 500B) may keep the charging cable (204B) neatly wound and organized in the retractable cable module (204A) and ready to be used whenever it is needed. The mechanism (500A, 500B) may be intuitive and reduce a hassle of winding and unwinding the charging cable (204B) every time it needs to be charged.
[081] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a motor mechanism (600) for winding and unwinding a charging cable (204B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[082] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, the motor mechanism (600) may be used to retract the charging cable (204B) into a retractable cable module (204A), instead of using a spring mechanism. The charging assembly (200B) may include an auxiliary battery that may connect to the motor (602), sensors, and a controller that may connect to the auxiliary battery, the sensors, and the motor (602), where the sensors may include, but not limited to reed sensors, magnetic sensors, magnetic reed switches, magnetic contact sensors and the like. The controller may be configured to detect that a closing member (206B) is moved from a first position to a second position using the sensors. Once the controller detects that the closing member (206B) is in the second position, the controller may send a first control signal to the motor (602) to loosen the charging cable (204B) which eases a pulling of the charging cable (204B). Further, the controller may monitor a rotation of the reels to detect a pluck motion and an external resistance (700B) on the charging cable (204B).
[083] FIG. 7A illustrates schematic view for implementing a detection of a pluck motion (700A) on a charging cable (204B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[084] Referring to FIG. 7A, a controller may detect the pluck motion (700A) on the charging cable (204B) or the charging cable (204B) in a non-charging state using the sensors. When the controller detects the pluck motion (700A) on the charging cable (204B) or the charging cable (204B) is in the non-charging state, the controller may send a second control signal to the motor (602) to retract the charging cable (204B) to be wound.
[085] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic view for implementing a detection of an external resistance (700B) on a charging cable (204B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[086] Referring to FIG. 7B, a controller may detect the external resistance (700B) on the charging cable (204B). When the external resistance (700B) is detected on the charging cable (204B) while retracting the charging cable (204B), the controller may send a third control signal to the motor (602) to stop a retraction of the charging cable (204B), and simultaneously, the controller may send a first command signal to a feedback unit to provide an alert signal to a user. Once the external resistance (700B) is removed, the controller may send a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance (700B).
[087] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method (800) of user’s interaction with a charging assembly (200B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[088] At (802), the method may include opening a closing member (206B) by a user to retract a charging cable (204B). At (804), the method may include detecting that the closing member (206B) is in an open position using sensors. At (806), the method may include loosening the charging cable (204B) slightly. At (808), the method may include pulling the charging cable (204B) by the user and plugging it into an external power source (102). At (810), after charging, the method may include detecting a pluck motion (700A) provided by the user on the charging cable (204B) or the external resistance (700B) on the charging cable (204B). At (812), the method may include retracting the charging cable (204B) back to the retractable cable module (204A). At (814), the method may include detecting an external resistance (700B) on the charging cable (204B). At block (816), the method may include providing an alert sound to notify the user. At block (818), once the obstacle is cleared, the method may include providing a haptic sound that denotes successful retraction.
[089] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method (900) for preventing a user from riding a vehicle (100) when a closing member (206B) is in an open state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[090] Referring to FIG. 9, at (902), the closing member (206B) may include a sensor to detect a position of the closing member (206B). At (904), a Large Distribution Unit (LDU) may monitor whether the closing member (206B) is in a first position or in a second position. At (906), the LDU may determine the position of the closing member (206B). At (908A), when the closing member (206B) is in the second position i.e., an opened state, the LDU may send a notification to a dashboard to prevent the user to start riding the vehicle (100). At (908B), when the closing member (206B) is in the first position i.e., a closed state, the LDU may allow the user to start riding the vehicle (100).
[091] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for implementing an indication of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) around a closing member (206B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[092] The closing member (206B) is equipped with the LED indicators. When a vehicle (100) is turned OFF, the LED may glow to indicate a position of the closing member (206B) in a dark ambient condition. Referring to FIG. 10, at (1002), when a user may turn OFF a vehicle (100), a Large Distribution Unit (LDU) may detect whether the vehicle (100) is in OFF condition or not as represented in (1004). At (1006), when the vehicle (100) is in OFF condition for more than a particular time period, for example, 15 seconds, the LED may turn ON to indicate the position of the closing member (206B) as represented in (1008). The closing member (206B) may protect an outlet (206C) from rain and dust which eventually affects a durability of the part.
[093] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method (1100) for sending a notification to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[094] Referring to FIG. 11, at (1106), a Larger Distribution unit (LDU) may continuously track a status of a charging unit (104) as represented in (1102) and a position of a closing member (206B) using a sensor as represented in (1104). At (1108), when a cap i.e., the closing member (206B) is in an open condition and the charging unit (104) is in a non-operating state for more than a particular time period, the LDU may send a notification to a dashboard as represented in (1110) of a vehicle (100). and send another notification to a user device (1114) via a cloud (1112), where the notification may include an indication of the position of the closing member (206B) and the non-operating state of the charging unit (104). This feature may help in notifying the user when someone unplugs and leaves the charging cable (204B) open. Also, as a reminder for users to put the charging cable (204B) in a closed condition.
[095] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for implementing a method (1200) for handling a charging assembly (200B) in a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[096] Referring to FIG. 12, at (1202), the method (1200) may include detecting a closing member (206B) being moved from a first position to a second position to uncover an outlet (206C), wherein the outlet (206C) is integrated with an outer panel (206A) of the vehicle (100).
[097] At (1204), the method (1200) may include sending a first control signal to a controlling element to unwind a charging cable (204B) accommodated within a retractable cable module (204A) based on the detection, wherein the retractable cable module (204A) is placed on a headstock pipe (202) of the vehicle (100), and wherein the charging cable (204B) is being pulled by a user from the retractable cable module (204A) via the outlet (206C). The controlling element may include any one of a motor (602), a pawl (502A) mechanism, and a ratchet (502B) mechanism. Furthermore, the method (1200) may include detecting that the charging cable (204B) is being pulled by the user, and sending a first control command to the pawl (502A) mechanism and the ratchet (502B) mechanism to engage the pawl (502A) mechanism with the ratchet (502B) mechanism for preventing the charging cable (204B) from winding back to the retractable cable module (204A).
[098] At (1206), the method (1200) may include detecting a pluck motion (700A) on the charging cable (204B) provided by the user. Further, the method (1200) may include detecting a tug force on the charging cable (204B) provided by the user and sending a second control command to the pawl (502A) mechanism to disengage with the ratchet (502B) mechanism to wind the charging cable (204B) within the retractable cable module (204A). Furthermore, the method (1200) may include detecting an external resistance (700B) on the charging cable (204B) for sending a first command signal to a feedback unit associated with the charging assembly (200B) to provide an alert signal to the user and sending a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance (700B).
[099] At (1208), the method (1200) may include sending a second control signal to the controlling element to wind the charging cable (204B) into the retractable cable module (204A) based on the detection of the pluck motion (700A).
[0100] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[0101] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0102] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0103] The present disclosure provides an onboard charger that mounts within the vehicle to prevent users from carrying an external charger.
[0104] The present disclosure resolves inconvenience of carrying an external charger and dealing with tangled cables, making the transition to a vehicle easier and more convenient for users.
, Claims:1. A charging assembly (200B) integrated with a vehicle (100), comprising:
a headstock pipe (202);
a retractable cable module (204A) comprising a charging cable (204B), wherein the retractable cable module (204A) is removably attached to the headstock pipe (202) using an attaching element; and
an outer panel (206A) comprising an outlet (206C) to receive the charging cable (204B) from the retractable cable module (204A) to connect with an external power source (102).

2. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a charging unit (104) attached within the vehicle (100), wherein the charging unit (104) receives a power supply from the external power source (102) via the charging cable (204B) to charge a battery (106) in the vehicle (100).

3. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retractable cable module (204A) is equipped with a spring-loaded retraction unit, wherein the spring-loaded retraction unit comprises a centre part associated with a torsion spring to hold the charging cable (204B).

4. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging cable (204B) is wound and unwound in the retractable cable module (204A) using a ratchet mechanism and a pawl mechanism.

5. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the charging cable (204B) is pulled out from the retractable cable module (204A), the pawl mechanism engages with the ratchet mechanism to prevent the charging cable (204B) from winding back to the retractable cable module (204A).

6. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 5, wherein when a user provides a tug force to the charging cable (204B), the pawl mechanism disengages from the ratchet mechanism to wind the charging cable (204B) within the retractable cable module (204A).

7. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging cable (204B) is wound and unwound in the retractable cable module (204A) using a motor.

8. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
an auxiliary battery;
at least one sensor;
a controller connected to the auxiliary battery and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to:
detect that a closing member is moved from a first position to a second position using the at least one sensor;
send a first control signal to the motor to unwind the charging cable (204B);
detect a pluck motion on the charging cable (204B) using the at least one sensor; and
send a second control signal to the motor to wind the charging cable (204B).

9. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closing member is attached in the outer panel (206A) to cover the outlet (206C) when the closing member is in the first position and to uncover the outlet (206C) when the closing member is in the second position.

10. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:
detect an external resistance on the charging cable (204B);
send a third control signal to the motor to stop a retraction of the charging cable (204B); and
send a first command signal to a feedback unit to provide an alert signal to a user.

11. The charging assembly (200B) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:
send a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance.

12. A method (1200) for handling charging assembly (200B) in a vehicle (100), comprising:
detecting (1202), by a controller associated with the charging assembly (200B), a closing member being moved from a first position to a second position to uncover an outlet (206C), wherein the outlet (206C) is integrated with an outer panel (206A) of the vehicle (100);
sending (1204), by the controller, a first control signal to a controlling element to unwind a charging cable (204B) accommodated within a retractable cable module (204A) based on the detection, wherein the retractable cable module (204A) is placed on a headstock pipe (202) of the vehicle (100), and wherein the charging cable (204B) is being pulled by a user from the retractable cable module (204A) via the outlet (206C);
detecting (1206), by the controller, a pluck motion on the charging cable (204B) provided by the user; and
sending (1208), by the controller, a second control signal to the controlling element to wind the charging cable (204B) into the retractable cable module (204A) based on the detection of the pluck motion.

13. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the controlling element comprises at least one of: a motor, a pawl mechanism, and a ratchet mechanism.

14. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 13, comprising:
detecting, by the controller, that the charging cable (204B) is being pulled by the user; and
sending, by the controller, a first control command to the pawl mechanism and the ratchet mechanism to engage the pawl mechanism with the ratchet mechanism for preventing the charging cable (204B) from winding back to the retractable cable module (204A).

15. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 14, comprising:
detecting, by the controller, a tug force on the charging cable (204B) provided by the user; and
sending, by the controller, a second control command to the pawl mechanism to disengage with the ratchet mechanism to wind the charging cable (204B) within the retractable cable module (204A).

16. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
detecting, by the controller, an external resistance on the charging cable (204B); and
sending, by the controller, a first command signal to a feedback unit associated with the charging assembly (200B) to provide an alert signal to the user.

17. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 16, comprising:
sending, by the controller, a second command signal to the feedback unit to provide a haptic signal to the user in an absence of the external resistance.

18. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 17, comprising:
detecting, by the controller, that the closing member is in the second position when the user starts the vehicle (100); and
sending, by the controller, a third command signal to the feedback unit to provide the alert signal to the user.

19. The method (1200) as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
monitoring, by the controller, a status of a charging unit (104) associated with the charging assembly (200B);
detecting, by the controller, that the closing member is in the second position and the status of the charging unit (104) is in a non-operating state; and
sending, by the controller, an alert notification to a user device associated with the user.