Ground-Embedded EV Charging Coupler for Soiling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges with robustness and susceptibility to soiling, especially when high-power charging is required in interior building applications, due to complex functioning and exposure to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a base partially or fully sunk into the ground, featuring a movement apparatus that connects the coupling element to the base, allowing it to be controllably moved relative to the base, and a cover that opens to guide the coupling element through a through-opening to connect with the vehicle's coupling element, while being protected from soiling and weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated charging systems are implemented with high-power charging capacities, then charging time is reduced and productivity is improved, but the system becomes more susceptible to soiling and environmental factors, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is nested within the base structure, which is partially or fully sunk into the ground. The cover closes over the through-opening to enclose the coupling element, creating a nested configuration that protects the charging components from environmental soiling while maintaining high-power charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the charging components and the environment. When closed, it protects the coupling element from soiling; when open, it allows the coupling element to extend for charging, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality
2Reliability
If the base is sunk into the ground to protect against environmental factors, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for through-openings and covers
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, protects the coupling element from environmental factors by being sunk into the ground, and incorporates the through-opening and cover mechanism for controlled access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If the coupling element is exposed for automated connection, then ease of operation is improved, but susceptibility to soiling increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is opened preliminarily before the coupling element needs to be accessed for charging, and closed preliminarily after charging is complete. This preliminary action sequence allows the coupling element to be exposed only when necessary for automated connection, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing exposure time to soiling
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device and method for electrically charging an electric vehicle includes a first coupling element connectable to a second coupling element arranged on the electric vehicle to produce an electrical connection. The the charging device includes a base, which can be at least partially sunk into the ground, and a movement apparatus, which connects the first coupling element to the base to be controllably moved relative to the base. The base includes a through-opening and a cover that closes the through-opening, so that, in a usage state, the first coupling element, with the cover open, is movable through the through-opening from a non-charging position sunk into the ground using the movement apparatus, to guide the first coupling element to the second coupling element to a charging position.