Construction Vehicle Charging Dock With Scheduled Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction sites often lack sufficient charging capacity for electric construction vehicles, particularly during early phases, as docking stations are limited and cannot simultaneously charge all vehicles needed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a docking station with multiple charging conduits and connectors, coupled with a computing system that creates a charging schedule based on construction operations to efficiently charge multiple vehicles by adjusting power distribution through a switching assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single docking station is used to charge electric construction vehicles, then the charging infrastructure is simple and cost-effective, but the charging capacity is insufficient to charge all vehicles needed at the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is segmented into multiple independent charging conduits (first charging conduit, second charging conduit, etc.), each capable of charging a different vehicle simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple vehicles without requiring multiple separate docking stations, thus increasing charging capacity while maintaining relative simplicity of each individual charging path.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed as a universal charging platform that can serve multiple different electric construction vehicles through multiple charging conduits. The switching assembly enables the single power source to universally charge any connected vehicle by routing power through the appropriate conduit, making the system adaptable to various vehicle types and needs.
2Productivity
If multiple docking stations are installed to charge all electric construction vehicles simultaneously, then the charging capacity is sufficient, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charging conduits and their associated switching mechanisms are merged into a single integrated docking station structure. This consolidation allows the system to provide multi-vehicle charging capability (high productivity) without requiring multiple separate docking station installations, thereby reducing the quantity of infrastructure resources needed compared to having independent docking stations for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching assembly provides dynamic power routing capability, allowing the system to adaptively allocate charging power to different vehicles based on their needs and priorities. This dynamic allocation enables efficient use of the available power source capacity, maximizing vehicle charging throughput without requiring excess infrastructure resources.
3Reliability
If electric construction vehicles are charged without a scheduling system, then the charging process is simple and responsive, but the power distribution is inefficient and vehicle readiness cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system implements a feedback-based charging management approach by receiving inputs about construction operations and vehicle status, creating charging schedules based on this information, and monitoring the charging process to ensure vehicles are ready when needed. This feedback loop guarantees vehicle readiness (reliability) while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary planning by creating charging schedules in advance based on construction operation requirements. This preliminary action ensures that vehicles are charged at the appropriate times to be ready when needed, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms during the actual charging process.
4Ease of operation
If the power source charges vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis, then the charging system is simple to operate, but the construction operations may be delayed due to insufficient vehicle availability
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system automatically manages the charging schedule and power distribution without requiring manual intervention to prioritize vehicles. The system serves itself by autonomously deciding which vehicles to charge based on construction operation needs, maintaining ease of operation while improving construction productivity through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the charging parameters (which vehicle receives power, when charging occurs, power allocation) based on construction operation requirements. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain simple operation while significantly improving construction efficiency by ensuring the right vehicles are charged at the right times.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging electric construction vehicles includes first and second connectors, each configured to be electrically coupled to a different electric construction vehicle and convey electric power to the respective vehicle. Furthermore, the system includes a switching assembly adjustable between first and second settings, each setting associated with electric power being conveyed to one of the vehicles. Moreover, the system includes a computing system configured to receive an input associated with a construction operation. Additionally, the computing system is configured to create a charging schedule for which the vehicles will be charged based on the received input. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the switching assembly such that the vehicles are charged based on the created charging schedule.