Autonomous EV Charging Coupling for Hands-Free Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require manual intervention, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in scenarios where vehicles are parked for extended periods while owners are occupied with other activities.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free electric vehicle charging system that includes a system controller, power bus, and charging transfer units, allowing vehicles to autonomously couple and disconnect for charging without manual plugging, using communication techniques like Bluetooth or cellular for coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual plugging is used for charging, then the charging system is simple to implement, but it requires user intervention and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs automatic vehicle identification, plug connection, and charging initiation without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting vehicle presence and automatically establishing charging connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical plugging operations are replaced with automated electromagnetic and mechanical systems that automatically connect charging cables to vehicle ports based on detected vehicle presence and charging requirements.
2Productivity
If vehicles are charged one at a time, then the charging process is simple to manage, but the charging efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into multiple independent charging stations, each capable of autonomous operation. Each station can identify and charge individual vehicles separately while the overall system manages multiple vehicles simultaneously through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to handle multiple vehicle types and charging requirements through a universal platform that can simultaneously serve multiple vehicles with different power needs and charging protocols.
3Ease of operation
If charging facilities are installed in parking spaces, then vehicle charging is convenient, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Charging components are nested within or integrated into existing parking space infrastructure. Cable storage compartments, connection mechanisms, and control systems are embedded within the parking space structure itself, utilizing vertical and horizontal space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from ground-level only installations to multi-dimensional configurations that utilize vertical space above and below parking surfaces, allowing charging equipment to be positioned in three-dimensional space rather than consuming additional horizontal parking area.
Data Source
AI summary
One example provides a hands free electric vehicle (EV) charging system including a charge transfer unit (CTU) to receive at least one charging power input, the CTU including a receptacle and a controllable power switch. A vehicle charging unit (VTU) is to be mounted to an underside of the EV, the VTU including a vertically controllable power cord having a plug, the power cord to electrically connect to a battery charging system of the EV, and an alignment system to adjust a horizontal position of the plug. When the VTU is positioned vertically over the CTU, the VTU is to horizontally align the plug with the receptacle and thereafter to vertically lower the power cord to place the plug in the receptacle and create an electrical connection there between, whereupon the CTU is to connect the power cord to the charging power source via the power switch.