BEV Charging Port Alignment With Compatible Cable Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of battery electric vehicles face challenges in correctly positioning their vehicles for charging, as they need to remember the location of the charging port and ensure compatibility with the charging cable, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when obstacles or incompatibilities are present.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging advisory system that uses a processor to obtain information about nearby charging stations, identifies compatible charging ports on the vehicle, and provides guidance for maneuvering the vehicle into the correct position for charging, utilizing sensors and network communication to assist both driver-operated and autonomous vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually remembers and positions the vehicle for charging, then the charging operation can be performed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform positioning and compatibility verification functions that would otherwise require manual driver intervention. The processor autonomously determines optimal parking positions, checks charging port compatibility with available cables, and guides the vehicle into the correct orientation without driver input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive process of manual vehicle positioning with an automated electronic system. Sensors, processors, and communication modules substitute for the driver's memory and manual steering actions, using electronic data processing and automated control to achieve precise vehicle positioning for charging.
2Reliability
If the driver checks charging port compatibility manually, then compatibility issues can be identified, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's processor automatically performs compatibility verification by comparing its charging port specifications with the available charging cables at the station. This self-verification process eliminates the need for drivers to manually check compatibility, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability through automated data matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the processor continuously monitors charging station availability, cable types, and vehicle charging port compatibility. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to both the driver and the vehicle control system, enabling dynamic adjustment of positioning instructions and ensuring compatibility before the charging operation begins.
3Productivity
If the vehicle positioning is left to driver judgment, then the charging operation can proceed, but errors in positioning may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective driver judgment with objective electronic measurement and control systems. The processor uses sensor data, vehicle orientation information, and charging station location data to precisely calculate and guide the vehicle into the optimal charging position, eliminating human error and improving both positioning accuracy and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations and compatibility checks before the vehicle arrives at the charging station. By pre-determining the optimal parking position and verifying cable compatibility in advance, the system ensures that the vehicle is ready for immediate charging upon arrival, maximizing productivity while maintaining high positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a battery electric vehicle (BEV) execute a battery charging operation. In an example method, a processor of a battery charging advisory system in a BEV obtains information about a battery charging lot and evaluates the information to identify a battery charging station having a first charging cable that includes a first type of plug which is compatible for coupling to a charging port of the BEV. The processor may then identify a location of the charging port on the BEV and uses this information to determine an orientation of the BEV with respect to the battery charging station. The processor then provides an advisory for maneuvering the BEV into a position that allows coupling of the first charging cable of the battery charging station to the charging port of the BEV.