Cable management in vehicle charging systems

A method of charging a vehicle, the method comprising:

• moving a guide assembly of a cable management system by moving a charging cable assembly, wherein:
• the charging cable assembly comprises an electrical cable and a connector at an end of the electrical cable,
• the guide assembly includes a plurality of sheaves;
• the electrical cable is movably supported by the plurality of sheaves of the guide assembly;
• and
• the cable management system further comprises a suspension cable having a first end coupled to the guide assembly and a second end operatively associated with a smart post, the suspension cable being configured to facilitate controlled movement of the guide assembly;
• connecting the connector to a charging port of the vehicle to allow charging of the vehicle;
• maintaining a position of the connector during charging by controlling movement of the guide assembly via the suspension cable;
• disconnecting the connector from the charging port;
• and
• allowing the charging cable assembly to retract through controlled movement of the guide assembly via the suspension cable.

A charging system, comprising:

• a smart post;
• a charging post;
• and
• a cable management system comprising:
• a guide assembly including a plurality of sheaves to guide movement of an electrical cable;
• and
• a suspension cable having a first end coupled to the guide assembly and a second end operatively associated with the smart post, the suspension cable being configured to facilitate controlled movement of the guide assembly.