Ground-Integrated EV Charging Arm Retraction During Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging devices integrated into the ground unit for electric vehicles pose operational risks due to inaccessible locations, making manual intervention difficult in emergency situations, such as power failures, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a movable arm that includes an emergency power supply within the ground unit, allowing the arm to autonomously return to its initial position in case of a power failure, preventing manual intervention and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the charging device is integrated into the ground unit, then the automated connection is improved and user convenience is enhanced, but the accessibility for manual intervention in emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency power supply is charged in advance during normal operation to provide power when needed. The capacitor is continuously charged from the mains power supply, so that when a power failure occurs, the pre-charged capacitor can immediately power the movable arm's return to the initial position without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles the emergency situation without requiring user intervention. When power fails, the emergency power supply autonomously activates to return the movable arm to its initial position, and the control unit automatically detects and responds to the power failure condition.
2Reliability
If the movable arm remains in the coupling position during power failure, then the charging connection is maintained, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to inability to manually retract the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency power supply is prepared in advance by continuous charging during normal operation, ensuring immediate availability when power failure occurs. This preliminary energy storage enables the automatic retraction of the movable arm without requiring manual intervention in the emergency situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves as an energy buffer that cushions against the power failure event. It stores sufficient energy to complete the critical function of returning the movable arm to its initial position, protecting the system from the harmful effect of being stuck in the coupling position during power outages.
3Reliability
If an emergency power supply is added to the ground unit, then the safety and reliability in emergency situations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency power supply uses the existing mains power supply and control unit infrastructure, making the additional capacitor serve multiple functions: it smooths power fluctuations during normal operation and provides emergency power during failures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate emergency systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the mains power supply and the movable arm motor. It mediates the power transfer, providing continuous energy supply during interruptions without requiring complex backup power systems or manual intervention mechanisms.
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
Ensures safe and reliable operation by enabling the movable arm to retract automatically in case of a power failure, enhancing user safety and reducing the need for manual intervention, while allowing easy integration with existing systems and robust design.
Implementation Method 1
designed and configured to provide sufficient electrical energy to return the movable arm to its initial position in the event of a power failure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging device for charging a vehicular unit of an electric vehicle, comprising a power supply means for providing an electric charging current and comprising a ground unit having a power delivery means, where the power delivery means is arranged on a movable arm that is movable between an initial position, in which the movable arm is located in the ground unit, and a coupling position, in which the power delivery means is electrically connected to the vehicular unit, where provided in the ground unit there is an emergency power supply means that is designed and configured to provide sufficient electrical energy to return the movable arm to its initial position in the event of a power failure.