Electric Road Vehicle Connection Control During Disconnect Warnings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting and disconnecting vehicles from electric road systems are inefficient, leading to higher fuel and power consumption, reduced system usage, and increased maintenance due to frequent reconnecting and wear on equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method that blocks electric current from the powertrain during disconnect warnings while maintaining mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for quicker reconnection when the warning clears, thereby reducing disconnection and reconnection times and improving system efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vehicle disconnects from the electrical lines in response to a disconnect warning, then the vehicle avoids potential damage or unsafe operation, but the disconnection and reconnection process causes fuel consumption, equipment wear, and reduced system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle operation safetyVSAvoidfuel and power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary blocking of electric current to the powertrain while maintaining the mechanical and electrical connection to the electrical lines. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to remain connected without actually consuming power from the lines, preparing for potential quick reconnection without full disconnection/reconnection cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into two independent components: the mechanical connection (physical attachment to overhead lines) and the electrical current flow (power transmission). This segmentation allows the mechanical connection to be maintained while the electrical current is blocked, enabling the vehicle to stay connected without consuming power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle frequently disconnects and reconnects from the electrical lines, then the vehicle adapts to changing road conditions or destinations, but the frequent reconnecting increases equipment wear and reduces system usage efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle adaptability to road conditionsVSAvoidsystem usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains the mechanical connection in advance while blocking electrical current, so that when conditions become favorable again, the vehicle can quickly resume power consumption without going through a full reconnection process, thus maintaining adaptability while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the mechanical connection and electrical current flow, allowing independent control of each. This intermediary control enables the vehicle to maintain connection status while adjusting power consumption based on road conditions, reducing unnecessary disconnection/reconnection cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the vehicle maintains connection to the electrical lines during disconnect warnings, then the vehicle can quickly resume power supply when the warning clears, but the electric current must be blocked to prevent unsafe operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconnection speedVSAvoidunsafe operation from blocked current

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the mechanical connection function from the electrical power transmission function. The mechanical connection can be maintained for quick resumption, while the electrical current is independently blocked to prevent unsafe operation during the warning condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system serves as an intermediary that manages the electrical current flow based on warning conditions. It allows the mechanical connection to persist while controlling the electrical current block, enabling safe operation during warnings and quick resumption when warnings clear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230406114A1A method for a procedure of connection and disconnection of a vehicle to/from a plurality of electrical lines

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 SCANIA CV AB

AI summary

A method for a procedure of connection and disconnection of a vehicle to/from a plurality of electrical lines of an electric road system, wherein the connection and disconnection procedure comprises in response to a disconnect warning and if the vehicle is connected to the plurality of electrical lines, blocking the electric current from the plurality of electrical lines to a powertrain of the vehicle. The method comprises: maintaining the connection of the vehicle to the plurality of electrical lines while the electric current from the plurality of electrical lines to the powertrain of the vehicle is blocked in response to the disconnect warning. A control arrangement implementing such a method.