Autonomous Charging Cart Obstacle Sensing for Safe Parking Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for charging electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for extensive installation of charging devices, labor-intensive operation of conventional charging carts, and safety concerns related to user-driven or autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
An electric cart equipped with an obstacle sensor, motor control unit, and electronic control system that allows for automatic stopping, user-driven or autonomous operation, and central management to prevent collisions and reduce user labor, featuring a body with a charging device, wheels, operating unit, and sensors for obstacle detection and user input processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging device is installed in all parking spaces, then charging coverage is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cart is designed as a mobile multi-functional device that can serve multiple parking spaces sequentially. It combines charging functionality with mobility, allowing one cart to charge multiple vehicles at different locations rather than requiring fixed charging infrastructure at every parking space.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cart is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including obstacle sensors, electronic control units, and motor-driven wheels that enable it to move and position itself automatically. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual operation and infrastructure installation, lowering overall system costs while maintaining charging coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional charging cart is used, then charging mobility is improved, but user labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cart incorporates autonomous driving functionality with an electronic control unit that receives obstacle stop signals from sensors and automatically controls the motor to navigate to charging positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually push or guide the cart, significantly reducing user labor while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pushing with an automated motor-driven system controlled by electronic components. The motor receives control signals from the electronic control unit based on sensor input, substituting human physical effort with an automated electromechanical system.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous driving is implemented, then user labor is reduced, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cart is equipped with obstacle sensors that continuously detect the environment and provide feedback to the electronic control unit. When an obstacle is detected, the sensor generates an obstacle stop signal that immediately feeds back to the control unit, which then commands the motor to stop, creating a closed-loop safety feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle sensors are positioned to detect potential collisions before they occur, and the system is designed to take preliminary anti-action by automatically stopping the cart when obstacles are detected. This preventive approach addresses safety risks before they can manifest as actual collisions or accidents.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric cart is provided. The electric cart includes a body, an operating unit disposed in the body, an obstacle sensor to generate an obstacle stop signal by sensing an obstacle, a wheel provided to move the body, a motor to control a driving of the wheel, and an electronic control unit to control the motor.