Deployable Fifth-Wheel Charging for Vehicles in Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems, whether wired or wireless, are inconvenient and inefficient, suffering from degradation, inefficiencies, and requiring specific locations, limiting the ability to charge vehicles effectively while mobile.
Innovation Solution
An on-board charging system (OBCS) that utilizes a driven mass, generator, and controller to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, allowing for charging of electric vehicles while in motion, using a fifth wheel mechanism to rotate and generate power, which is then stored or used to recharge the vehicle's battery or motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired or wireless stationary charging systems are used, then vehicles can be charged at stationary locations, but the systems are inconvenient, cumbersome, and require specific locations for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the charging system mobile rather than stationary. The fifth wheel assembly with generator can be moved to different locations and deployed/retreated as needed, transforming the charging infrastructure from fixed to dynamic, thereby improving both convenience and location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile fifth wheel assembly with generator as an intermediary between the vehicle and traditional stationary charging infrastructure. This intermediary can be deployed at various locations to provide charging, eliminating the need for fixed charging stations while maintaining charging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy using a driven mass and generator, then vehicles can be charged while in motion, but the system adds complexity to the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The fifth wheel assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle, enables kinetic energy conversion through the driven mass and generator, and can be deployed or retracted as needed. By making this existing component multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving mobile charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own kinetic energy to generate electrical power for charging, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure. The driven mass is rotated by the vehicle's motion itself, allowing the vehicle to charge itself while in motion without adding significant external complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a driven mass is extended to rotate and generate power, then kinetic energy can be converted to electrical energy, but the driven mass requires space and structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The driven mass is designed to be deployable and retractable rather than permanently extended. When charging is needed, the driven mass is extended to engage with the ground or other surface to rotate and generate power. When not in use, it is retracted to minimize space occupation, thus resolving the contradiction between energy conversion capability and space requirements.
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
Enables efficient and continuous charging of electric vehicles while in motion, reducing reliance on stationary charging stations and extending the vehicle's travel range by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy for immediate use or storage.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is configured to generate an electrical output based on a mechanical input
Implementation Method 2
The driven mass is configured to rotate in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.