Elevating Charging Connector Time-Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The upward and downward movement of movable charging facilities can hinder pedestrian passage, as they are difficult to recognize when accommodated under the ground and may be repeatedly raised and lowered, posing a risk to pedestrian traffic.
Innovation Solution
A control system that manages the elevating device to maintain the movable part in an accommodated state during certain time zones and an exposed state during others, with user operation restrictions, to minimize disruptions and improve aesthetics by determining time zones based on congestion conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable part is repeatedly raised and lowered to respond to user operations, then charging convenience is improved, but pedestrian passage is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The control device divides the day into time zones with different control strategies: during first time zones (high pedestrian traffic), the movable part remains in the accommodated state regardless of user operations; during second time zones (low pedestrian traffic), the movable part can be raised in response to user operations. This periodic temporal division resolves the contradiction by applying different control policies at different times.
2Ease of operation
If the movable part is kept in the exposed state for charging operations, then charging accessibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically switches between accommodated and exposed states based on time zones. During first time zones, the aesthetic appearance is prioritized by keeping the movable part accommodated. During second time zones, charging accessibility is prioritized by allowing the movable part to be exposed. This temporal periodic action resolves the contradiction between appearance and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging stand comprises: a movable part including a charging connector to transmit power to a vehicle; an elevating unit that moves up and down the movable part between an accommodated state in which the movable part is accommodated under the ground and an exposed state in which the movable part is exposed to the ground; and a controller that controls the elevating unit. The controller controls the elevating unit such that the movable part maintains the accommodated state for the first time zone and the movable part maintains the exposed state for a second time zone different from the first time zone.