Electric Road Power Collector Activation From Track Light Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of electric vehicle range and charging infrastructure capacity hinder the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as current charging methods are inefficient and wear out the charging components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a camera-mounted vehicle to identify active light indicators on an electric road system's track line, activating a sliding contact to collect electrical power while driving, reducing wear and enhancing efficiency by controlling power collection based on the track line's state and vehicle position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical power collector is continuously activated to collect power from the track line, then the power collection capability is improved, but the wear on the sliding contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power collector is dynamically activated and deactivated based on real-time detection of light indicators on the track line. The system transitions from a static continuous operation mode to a dynamic on-demand mode, where the sliding contact engages with the track line only when active power segments are detected ahead, thereby reducing unnecessary wear while maintaining power collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a camera to detect light indicators on the track line and provides feedback to the control circuit, which then activates or deactivates the electrical power collector accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the sliding contact operates only when needed, optimizing both power collection and component lifespan.
2Reliability
If the sliding contact is kept in contact with the track line to ensure power availability, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the wear and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous contact, the sliding contact operates in periodic intervals based on the detection of active light indicators on the track line. The system periodically engages the power collector when power segments are detected and disengages when they are not, reducing energy loss from friction and heat while maintaining reliable power supply when needed.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of the electrical power collector is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the efficiency and wear control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting light indicators on the track line and controlling the activation of the electrical power collector without manual intervention. The camera-based detection system and control circuit work autonomously to optimize power collection efficiency and minimize wear, eliminating the need for complex manual operation while maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture.
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
This approach allows electric vehicles to collect power dynamically while driving, reducing the demand for charging stations, extending vehicle range, and minimizing wear on the sliding contact, thus enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of the charging system.
Implementation Method 1
identifying active light indicators in the captured video stream
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical power collector (70) configured to collect electrical power from a track line (30) of an electric road system arranged along a road (10). The track line (30) comprising activatable light indicators (40) arranged on the track line (30). The electrical power collector (70) being mounted on a vehicle (20)., The method comprising, while the vehicle (20) is driving, capturing, using a camera (60) mounted on the vehicle (20), a video stream depicting the track line (30), identifying active light indicators in the captured video stream, and upon identification of active light indicators (40), activating the electrical power collector (70) such that a sliding contact (50) of the electrical power collector (70) makes sliding contact with the track line (30). Also a control circuit and a control system is presented.