Automatic Fold-Out Connector for Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems require manual handling of cords, are prone to damage, and lack protection against vandalism, making them inconvenient and unreliable, especially for varying vehicle heights and locations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fold-out connector with five extendable electrodes on the vehicle that can connect cordlessly to a charging station's socket using a mechanical system, allowing for secure, hands-free charging and discharging, with features like alignment assistance and electronic control for secure and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional electrical cord with plugs is used to connect the vehicle to the charging station, then the vehicle can be charged, but the driver must manually insert and remove the plug, requiring the driver to get out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs the connection and disconnection operations automatically without requiring driver intervention. The control unit autonomously controls the extension and retraction of the connector and electrodes, enabling the system to serve itself by eliminating manual plug insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and electrodes are extended into the charging station socket before the charging process begins, and remain connected throughout the charging duration. This preliminary connection action eliminates the need for repeated manual connection and disconnection operations
2Ease of operation
If a traditional electrical cord is used for charging, then the vehicle can be connected to the power source, but the cord can hinder users by causing them to stumble or forget to uncouple it
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connection system is extracted from the traditional cord-based approach and reimagined as an automatic connector with extendable electrodes that interface directly with the charging station socket. This eliminates the flexible cord entirely, removing the source of tripping hazards and user obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of plugging and unplugging cords is replaced with an automated electro-mechanical system where the control unit electronically controls the extension and retraction of the connector and electrodes, substituting human manual manipulation with automated control
3Ease of operation
If a traditional electrical cord is used for charging, then the vehicle can be charged, but the wire in the cord can be easily damaged by external factors such as vandalism or atmospheric circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable electrical cord is completely extracted from the system and replaced with a protected connector assembly. The connector is integrated into the vehicle structure with extendable electrodes that interface with the charging station, eliminating the exposed wire that is susceptible to vandalism and environmental damage
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and electrodes are designed with protective features that cushion them against potential damage before it occurs. The connector is housed within a protected structure on the vehicle, and the electrodes are extendable only when needed, reducing their exposure to harmful external factors during normal operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connector position is used on the vehicle, then the charging connection is simple, but it cannot accommodate different vehicle heights and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to extend and retract as needed. The extendable electrodes can reach different positions along the charging station socket, enabling adaptation to various vehicle heights and mounting locations without requiring a complex adjustable mounting system
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is segmented into a fixed mounting portion on the vehicle and extendable electrode portions that can reach different positions. This segmentation allows the base connector to remain simple while the extendable electrodes provide the necessary adaptability for different vehicle types and mounting locations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient, secure, and efficient charging at various locations without manual intervention, protecting against damage and vandalism, and accommodating different vehicle heights, with features for secure energy transfer and billing management.
Implementation Method 1
The connector (4) is provided with five further extendable electrodes (5) which can be extended from the connector in the direction of a socket (6) attached to a charging station (3)
Data Source
AI summary
System for coupling electric-powered vehicles to a power source, the system consisting of at least an automatic fold-out and extendable connector on the vehicle which is provided with five electrodes which can extend even further, and a wall socket mounted to a charging station with five contact electrodes which are accessible via five vertical slots and can be used without requiring any handling by the driver or another external person.