Concrete Floor Element for Inductive EV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive charging solutions for electric vehicles lack a practical and efficient method for integrating primary coils into vehicle parking spaces, particularly in concrete-paved areas, as they are not adequately protected from mechanical and weather-related damages and do not facilitate easy installation and energy supply.

Innovation Solution

A floor element with a concrete-made accommodating shell that houses the primary coil, featuring a passage for the connection cable and a cover to protect it, allowing for quick and secure installation and energy supply, while being designed for flush integration with concrete paving stones and optional multi-part configuration for easier transport and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the primary coil is directly installed in the vehicle parking space, then the installation process is simple, but the primary coil is not protected from mechanical and weather-related damages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of primary coilVSAvoidstructure of floor element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodating shell serves multiple functions: it protects the primary coil from mechanical and weather damage, provides a structured housing for integration into the pavement, and facilitates cable routing through its integrated passage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating protection and structural requirements into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the primary coil is encased in a concrete structure, then the primary coil is protected from damages, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of primary coilVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The floor element is segmented into a pre-fabricated accommodating shell that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the protective structure to be prepared in advance, simplifying the on-site installation process while maintaining comprehensive protection for the primary coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accommodating shell is pre-fabricated with all necessary features (passages, mounting structures) before installation. This preliminary preparation of the protective structure eliminates the need for complex on-site construction, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive protection and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the connection cable is routed through the concrete structure, then the energy supply is secure, but the cable installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply connectionVSAvoidcable installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodating shell acts as an intermediary structure that provides a dedicated passage for the connection cable. This intermediate feature facilitates cable routing by creating a protected, pre-defined pathway through the concrete structure, resolving the contradiction between secure energy supply and ease of cable installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Shape

If the floor element is designed as a single integrated unit, then the appearance is uniform with the pavement, but the transport and installation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual integration with pavementVSAvoidtransport and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floor element is segmented into a modular accommodating shell that can be manufactured in manageable sizes for easy transport and installation. Despite this segmentation, the shell is designed to integrate seamlessly with the pavement, maintaining a uniform appearance when installed. This resolves the contradiction between visual integration and ease of handling.

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

The solution provides a secure, efficient, and visually integrated inductive charging system for electric vehicles, ensuring the primary coil is protected from mechanical and weather influences, allowing for easy installation and energy supply, while maintaining a uniform appearance with the surrounding pavement.

Implementation Method 1

energy is transmitted contactlessly from a primary coil mounted stationary in the ground to a secondary coil mounted in the electric vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3431325B1Floor element for inductive charging
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 GEIGER PETER
  • EP3431325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3431325B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3431325B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a floor element (1, 11, 21, 31) for inductive charging of an electric vehicle equipped with a secondary coil, wherein the floor element (1, 11, 21, 31) has a receiving tray (2, 102, 202, 302) with side walls (6, 7, 13, 14) made of a concrete material; and a primary coil (3) received in the receiving tray (2, 102, 202, 302).