Charging Station Installation Freedom via Segmented Guide Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging station for utility vehicles is limited in installation freedom as it requires installation above and parallel to the boundary wire, restricting its placement.
Innovation Solution
A charging station system that includes a base plate, a guide, and separate docking and station wires, allowing the charging station to be installed independently of the boundary wire, with an electronic control unit guiding the vehicle to the charging position using magnetic field detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charging station is installed above and parallel to the boundary wire, then the vehicle can be guided to the charging station using magnetic field detection, but the installation freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging station system into independent components: the boundary wire system and the charging station guide wire system. The guide wire is segmented into a first wire and a second wire that can be independently installed and configured, allowing flexible placement without being constrained by the boundary wire layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide wire as an intermediary element between the power supply and the vehicle's magnetic sensors. This guide wire serves as a dedicated signaling pathway that is independent from the boundary wire, enabling the vehicle to detect and navigate to the charging station through magnetic field detection without being coupled to the boundary wire configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate guide wire is introduced for charging station guidance, then installation freedom is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides magnetic field signaling for vehicle guidance, defines the charging station location, and works independently of the boundary wire system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the charging station identification and guidance functions into a single wire system that uses magnetic field generation. The first and second wires work together as an integrated unit to provide both the magnetic signaling and the spatial definition of the charging zone.
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 the freedom of charging station installation and improves detection accuracy, enabling the vehicle to be guided to the charging station accurately and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a utility vehicle (10) driven by electric motors (26) that detects a magnetic field generated during flow of electric current through a boundary wire (72) laid around a working area (AR)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A charging station for a utility vehicle that detects a magnetic field generated by electric current flowing through a boundary wire, there are provided with a base plate (76a) installed at the working area to retain the vehicle (10) and provided with a pair of charging terminals (86) connectable with battery charging terminals of the onboard battery, a first wire (90) having a first loop (90a) and first projecting segments (90b) that project from the first loop (90a) toward the base plate, and a second wire (92) installed at the base plate and is connected to the electric power supply (86) independently of the boundary wire (72) and the first wire (90) and having a second loop (92a) and second projecting segments (92b) that project from the second loop (92a) toward the base plate (76a) symmetrically with the first projecting segments (90b).