Autonomous EV Charging Robots With Portable Chargers for Fleet Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is inefficient, particularly for fleets, as it takes longer to charge electric vehicles compared to refueling internal combustion engine vehicles, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution to reduce operating costs associated with charging large fleets.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes autonomous robots communicatively coupled with portable charging apparatus, allowing the robots to travel to electric vehicles in parking lots, connect with the portable charging apparatus, and charge the vehicles efficiently, optimizing routes using real-time mapping data and path planning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional fixed charging stations are deployed, then charging infrastructure is available, but charging time is long and operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional static charging station model into a dynamic mobile robot system that can autonomously navigate to vehicles. The robot moves between charging locations and vehicles, enabling flexible and adaptive charging service delivery that reduces waiting time and improves charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot acts as an intermediary carrier that transports charging apparatus between the charging station and vehicles. This intermediary solution decouples the fixed infrastructure from the charging process, allowing multiple vehicles to be served sequentially and reducing overall charging time.
2Productivity
If multiple charging stations are deployed to serve fleets, then charging capacity increases, but infrastructure costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mobile robot system performs multiple functions: it can serve multiple different vehicles, transport various types of charging apparatus, and operate at different locations. This universal system replaces the need for multiple dedicated charging stations, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining fleet charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic deployment of mobile robots allows the system to adapt charging capacity to actual fleet needs without permanent infrastructure. Robots can be reallocated based on demand, providing scalable charging capacity without the fixed costs of multiple stations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more charging points are installed, then charging availability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into modular components: mobile robots, portable charging apparatus, and fixed base stations. This segmentation allows the system to provide widespread charging availability through multiple independent units rather than one complex centralized system, improving adaptability while managing complexity.
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
This solution reduces charging-related costs for electric vehicles by enabling efficient and autonomous charging, optimizing the use of charging infrastructure, and allowing for charging in various weather conditions without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The towing mechanism of the robot may enable precise alignment and connection between the robot and the one or more portable charging apparatus via linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system and method of charging a vehicle in a parking lot. The system is communicatively coupled to one or more robots, one or more user devices, and one or more portable charging apparatus, via a network. The one or more robots travel autonomously and connect to one or more portable charging apparatus upon receiving a vehicle charging request. The one or more robots further navigate the one or more portable charging apparatus to vehicle's parking location. Each robot is capable of engaging with the portable charging apparatus via a towing mechanism present in rear portion of the robot. The towing mechanism actuates upon receiving the data from the plurality of sensors and upon reaching the robot within a predefined range of the portable charging apparatus, enabling precise alignment and connection between the robot and the portable charging apparatus via linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).