Containerized Inductive EV Charging for Fast Underground Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive charging systems for electric vehicles are costly, complex to install, and strain public power grids, limiting their widespread deployment and requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.

Innovation Solution

A container-based system that houses the induction device and associated components, allowing for standardized, simplified installation and integration of additional features like power storage and infrastructure equipment, reducing installation time and costs while enabling flexible customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If inductive charging systems are deployed using traditional methods with separate control cabinets and custom installations, then the charging function is achieved, but installation costs and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the induction device, control electronics, billing system, and power management components into a single integrated container unit. This merging of previously separate components into one standardized container simplifies installation to merely placing the container in a predefined pit and connecting power, eliminating complex custom installations while maintaining full charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized container is designed as a universal platform that can be deployed at multiple locations using identical installation procedures. The container houses all necessary components for inductive charging and can accommodate additional infrastructure equipment, making it a multi-functional unit that reduces overall system complexity through standardization.

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

2Area of stationary object

If traditional inductive charging systems are installed in public spaces, then charging capability is provided, but public space is consumed by control cabinets and installation equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace consumptionVSAvoiddeployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests all control electronics, billing systems, and power management components inside the container, which is then placed in a predefined pit underground. Only the induction device protrudes slightly above ground level, minimizing surface space consumption while accommodating all necessary equipment in a compact, standardized unit that simplifies deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If inductive charging systems are deployed without standardization, then custom requirements can be met, but installation time and costs increase for each location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized container serves as a universal base unit that can be rapidly deployed using identical installation procedures at multiple locations, significantly increasing installation speed. The container's modular design allows for customization through optional additional equipment and configurable internal arrangements, maintaining adaptability to different customer requirements without sacrificing deployment efficiency.

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

4Power

If power grid capacity is increased to support widespread inductive charging, then charging demand can be met, but financial and logistical expenditure becomes enormous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidinfrastructure investment
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power infrastructure into distributed, modular container units that can be deployed independently at various locations. Each container is a self-contained unit with its own power management system, allowing gradual rollout and localized power provisioning rather than requiring simultaneous upgrades to the entire power grid, thereby reducing overall infrastructure investment.

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

Facilitates cost-effective, rapid deployment of inductive charging infrastructure with reduced disruption to public life, supports power grid stability through energy storage, and accommodates diverse customer needs.

Implementation Method 1

When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, a magnetic field is generated around the primary coil. If a second coil of an electric vehicle (secondary coil) is located near this magnetic field, the constant reversal of the polarity of the primary coil's magnetic field, caused by the change in current direction, also induces an alternating current in the secondary coil.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3678891B1System for inductively charging an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KEMPKA REINHOLD
  • EP3678891B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for inductively charging a battery of an electric vehicle. The system (1) comprises an induction device (3) and a connection to an electrical grid for supplying the induction device. The system (1) also comprises a container (10), the induction device (3) being disposed in or on the container wall (10). The invention also relates to a use of the system (1) as a subsurface for a parking space and a use of the system (1) as part of a roadway. The invention additionally relates to a method for installing the system (1) in the ground.