Ball-Coupling Charging Module for Automated EV Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging facilities rely on manual operation and pneumatic pressure, making them unsuitable for outdoor use and hindering automation.
Innovation Solution
An attachment/detachment device with a driving part, pressing part, movable part, and elastic member, along with ball members and a coupling mechanism, automates the charging process by rotating and pressing ball members to engage or disengage a charger with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic pressure is used for the tool changer, then the coupling mechanism can operate, but it becomes unsuitable for outdoor electric vehicle charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic pressure system with a mechanical ball member-based coupling mechanism. The ball members are pressed by elastic members (springs) to engage with corresponding holes in the charger, eliminating the need for pneumatic systems that are unsuitable for outdoor environments. This mechanical substitution maintains operational reliability while improving adaptability to outdoor charging stations.
2Extent of automation
If manual operation is used to couple the charger to the tool changer, then the process can be performed, but complete automation cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service coupling mechanism where the attachment/detachment device automatically engages and disengages the charger using a driving part that rotates to move the pressing part. The elastic members automatically press the ball members to secure the charger, and the system can release the charger automatically when needed. This eliminates manual operation while maintaining ease of use through automated mechanical actions.
3Volume of moving object
If the attachment/detachment device uses a compact design, then the size is reduced, but the coupling mechanism must still ensure reliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coupling mechanism into multiple ball members (typically three) distributed around the coupling interface. Each ball member is independently pressed by elastic members, allowing the system to achieve reliable engagement through distributed contact points. This segmentation enables compact design while maintaining coupling reliability, as the multiple small ball members occupy less space than a single large coupling mechanism.
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 automated charging of electric vehicles without manual intervention, suitable for outdoor use and enhancing infrastructure efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided at one side of the movable part and configured to press the movable part in a second direction D2 that is different from the first direction D1
Implementation Method 2
The movable part presses the one or more ball members in an inward direction, which is a direction opposite to an outward direction R
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment/detachment device including: a driving part configured to rotate about a driving axis; a pressing part configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the driving axis; a movable part configured to be movable by the rotation of the pressing part; an elastic member configured to press the movable part; a coupling member provided to face the movable part; and one or more ball members accommodated in the coupling member. The one or more ball members are provided to protrude outward from the coupling member.


