Charging Station Position Detection for Electric Bus Fleets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging stations for electric buses are inflexible, allowing only buses with a pantograph arranged in a specific manner to be charged, limiting the ability to charge vehicles of different types or with varying configurations at the same station.

Innovation Solution

A device with a position determination system using a camera to accurately determine the vehicle's charging area position relative to the charging station, coupled with an output device to guide the driver into the correct charging position, enabling charging regardless of vehicle type or configuration, and allowing for a mixed fleet operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the charging station uses a fixed pantograph positioning system, then the charging contact can be precisely aligned, but only buses with a pantograph in a specific position can be charged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidvehicle type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station employs a movable charging contact that can be dynamically positioned along the longitudinal axis of the bus. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the charging contact to adapt to different pantograph positions on various bus types, resolving the contradiction between precise alignment and vehicle compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a camera to detect the bus's position and pantograph location, providing feedback to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the charging contact's position accordingly, enabling precise alignment for each specific vehicle configuration while maintaining versatility across different bus types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the charging station requires precise bus positioning, then charging alignment is accurate, but the driver must manually position the bus exactly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging alignment accuracyVSAvoiddriver operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station performs self-positioning by using the camera to detect the bus's current position and automatically adjusting the charging contact to align with the pantograph. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually position the bus with high precision, significantly easing operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning by the driver with an automated optical detection and control system. The camera-based detection and automated contact adjustment substitute for manual driver operations, achieving precise alignment without requiring driver skill or effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the charging contact is made longer to accommodate different positions, then more vehicle configurations can be charged, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle configuration compatibilityVSAvoidcharging contact structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one long charging contact, the system divides the charging function into a movable contact that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the contact to reach different pantograph positions without requiring an excessively long fixed contact, reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances charging station flexibility by enabling the charging of vehicles with different configurations and types at the same station, improving operational efficiency and convenience by guiding vehicles into optimal charging positions.

Implementation Method 1

the position determination device is formed by an image detection device designed as a camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3231689B1Device and method for charging an electrically driven vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.24 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device for charging an electrically powered vehicle, in particular an electrically powered bus, comprising a stationary charging station (3) with a charging area (5) that can be arranged for charging the vehicle (21) in a defined immediate vicinity within the area of a corresponding vehicle-side charging area (23). According to the invention, the charging station (3) has a position detection device (18) by means of which the current position of the charging area (23) of the vehicle (21) located in the vicinity of the charging station (3) can be determined relative to the charging station (3), in particular relative to the corresponding charging station-side charging area (5).In addition, at least one output device (19, 31) is provided which is connected to the position detection device (18) by means of which instructions and/or information for driving the vehicle (21) into a charging position can be issued to a driver of the vehicle (21) depending on the determined position of the vehicle-side charging area (23), in which the charging station-side charging area (5) is or can be arranged in the defined immediate vicinity in the area of the vehicle-side charging area (23).