Automated EV Charger Plug Alignment via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of publicly available infrastructure for charging electric vehicles, requiring drivers to manually operate home chargers similar to petrol pumps, which is inefficient and not scalable.
Innovation Solution
A charger with a movable plug assembly, image capturing device, and controller that automatically aligns and connects to an electric vehicle's roof-mounted socket, eliminating the need for manual operation by using image recognition and proximity sensors to position the plug correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of chargers is used like petrol pumps, then drivers can charge their electric vehicles at home, but the process is inefficient and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The charger automatically performs alignment and connection operations without requiring driver intervention. The system uses image capturing devices to locate the socket, controllers to coordinate movements, and automatic plug assembly to execute connection, enabling the charger to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation like traditional petrol pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated systems including image capturing devices for detection, controllers for coordination, and automatic plug assembly with motors or actuators. This substitution of manual mechanical actions with automated detection and control systems resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity
2Productivity
If automated alignment and connection systems are implemented, then charging efficiency and scalability improve, but device complexity increases due to image capturing devices, proximity sensors, and movable plug assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The charger integrates multiple functions into a single system: image capturing for socket detection, proximity sensing for alignment verification, controller coordination for movement management, and automatic plug assembly for connection execution. This multi-functional integration achieves automated charging capability while managing complexity through unified system design
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between image capturing devices, proximity sensors, and movable plug assemblies. By introducing this central coordination layer, the system manages complexity through standardized communication protocols and centralized control logic, enabling automated operations without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the plug assembly is mounted above the electric vehicle for automatic connection, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the charger requires complex movement control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with automated detection and control systems. Image capturing devices detect socket position, proximity sensors verify alignment, and controllers coordinate motor/actuator movements to execute automatic connection, eliminating manual intervention while managing complexity through automated control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where image capturing devices provide visual feedback for socket location, proximity sensors provide distance feedback for alignment verification, and controllers use this feedback to adjust movements in real-time. This feedback loop enables automatic connection with high precision while managing movement control complexity through adaptive control algorithms
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 automated and efficient charging of electric vehicles without manual intervention, improving convenience and scalability by allowing for automated connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a downward facing image capturing device; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the downward facing image capturing device, and arranged to: control the downward facing image capturing device to capture at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket
Implementation Method 2
a proximity sensor; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the proximity sensor, and arranged to: control the proximity sensor to sense whether or not the downward facing plug is within a predetermined proximity of the upward facing socket
Data Source
AI summary
A charger for charging an electric vehicle, comprising: a movable plug assembly comprising a downward facing plug that is connectable to an upward facing socket on top of the electric vehicle, the moveable plug assembly being mounted above the electric vehicle such that the movable plug assembly can be moved to be above the electric vehicle when the downward facing plug is not connected to the upward facing socket; a downward facing image capturing device; and a controller connected to the movable plug assembly and the downward facing image capturing device, and arranged to: control the downward facing image capturing device to capture at least one image in respect of the upward facing socket; and when the downward facing plug is not in alignment or connection with the upward facing socket, control a movement in respect of the movable plug assembly based on the at least one image, in order to enable the downward facing plug to move from above the electric vehicle downwards into alignment or connection with the upward facing socket.