Elastic Charging Coupling for Damage-Tolerant EV Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for charging electric vehicles require human intervention or pose safety risks, such as using drones in enclosed spaces or risking damage during coupling with recharging robots.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous device with a vertically extending mobile base, chassis, and a coupling system that includes a connection member with elastic connections for multidirectional pivoting, allowing secure and safe electrical connection to the vehicle's energy storage means without external intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an autonomous robot is used for charging electric vehicles, then human intervention is eliminated, but the risk of damage to the vehicle during coupling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous charging operationVSAvoiddamage risk to vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system incorporates elastic connecting elements (springs) between the support structure and the connection member. These elastic elements act as cushioning components that absorb impact forces during the coupling process, preventing damage to both the autonomous device and the vehicle. The elastic elements allow for controlled deformation that accommodates positioning tolerances and prevents rigid impact coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment during coupling. The elastic connecting elements enable the connection member to adapt its position and orientation automatically during the coupling process, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive one that reduces impact forces and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection system is used for coupling, then structural stability is improved, but the risk of damage during coupling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidcoupling damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Elastic connecting elements are integrated into the support structure to provide cushioning before rigid coupling occurs. These elements compress or extend to absorb impact energy, allowing the rigid connection member to couple safely without transmitting damaging forces to the vehicle or autonomous device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member incorporates flexible elastic elements that provide both flexibility during coupling and rigidity during operation. These elastic components act as flexible intermediaries that protect the rigid structural elements from impact damage while maintaining coupling stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If the connection member is fixed rigidly to the chassis, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to positioning variations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structure fabricationVSAvoidpositioning tolerance accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic system with elastic degrees of freedom. The elastic connecting elements allow the connection member to adjust its position and orientation automatically, accommodating positioning variations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or reducing manufacturing complexity significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic connecting elements change their physical parameters (length, orientation) in response to positioning variations, allowing the connection member to adapt to different positions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-structure design. The elastic deformation provides the necessary adaptability without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 safe and automated charging of electric vehicles by minimizing risks of damage and eliminating the need for human intervention, suitable for various parking environments including enclosed spaces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic connecting element mounted between the foot and the load-carrying platform, said at least one elastic connecting element allowing multidirectional pivoting of the load-carrying platform relative to the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4431334A1Autonomous device including a coupling system for recharging a battery of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 MOB ENERGY

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AI summary

The invention relates to a self-contained battery charging device comprising: - a connection member for electrically connecting the self-contained device to a coupling module, and - a support (40) including: ∘ a foot (401), and ∘ a load-bearing platform (402) under which the connection member (41) is fixed, ∘ at least one elastic linking element (403) mounted between the foot (401) and the load-bearing platform (402) and configured to allow multidirectional pivoting of the load-bearing platform (402) relative to the foot (401).