Automated EV Charging Arm with Laser and RFID Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic charging systems for electric buses lack automation and precise positioning, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a recharge system featuring a support element with a mobile arm and advanced localization and sensor technologies, including laser range finders and RFID, enables precise and automatic connection of a high-voltage source to the bus battery, ensuring safe and efficient charging without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vertically movable pantograph is used for charging, then the charging speed is improved (high-voltage source charges battery pack in a few minutes), but the system cannot be automated and requires precise positioning of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanically-controlled pantograph system with an automated system using sensors (optical, laser, RFID) and electronic control. The mobile arm's position and movement are controlled electronically based on sensor data rather than manual mechanical operation, enabling full automation while maintaining charging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning and self-alignment using onboard sensors that automatically detect the charging station's location and adjust the mobile arm accordingly. The bus autonomously completes the coupling process without human intervention, while the system maintains the high-voltage connection capability for rapid charging.
2Productivity
If a vertically movable pantograph is used for charging, then the charging speed is improved (high-voltage source charges battery pack in a few minutes), but perfect contact between the recharge station and the bus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors (optical sensors, laser range finders, RFID readers) that continuously provide feedback on the relative position between the bus and charging station. This feedback loop allows the electronic control to adjust the mobile arm's position in real-time, compensating for positioning errors and ensuring perfect contact despite variations in vehicle positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile arm is designed with multiple degrees of freedom and electronic control, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to imperfect positioning of the bus while maintaining the precise contact needed for high-speed charging, unlike fixed mechanical pantographs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging stations are deployed in different points of the area, then the adaptability to traffic and passenger variables is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal charging system with a mobile arm that can service multiple charging positions along the bus route. The same automated charging unit can operate at different locations, reducing the need for multiple complex stationary charging infrastructure installations while maintaining adaptability to traffic and passenger demands.
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
The system allows for quick, safe, and precise charging of electric buses, even when not perfectly aligned, with automated processes and safety checks, reducing the risk of incidents and maintaining cleanliness of connection elements.
Implementation Method 1
a range finder of the laser type configured to detect a position of the connection element
Implementation Method 2
an RFID reader configured to detect an identification signal from an RFID tag
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A control method for a recharge system for a battery system of a vehicle (2), via a recharge station (1) comprising a support element (5) and a mobile arm (6) carried by said support element (5), the arm comprising electric connection means (10) configured to be coupled with an electric connection element (16) carried by the vehicle (2) and electronic means (30) configured to receive information from the vehicle (2) and from sensors of the recharge station (1) via communication means (31), to process said information and to control said mobile arm (6), the method comprising a plurality of steps that enable the automated and secure coupling of said connection means (10) to said connection element (16).