EV Charging Column Quick-Connect System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing column charging systems for electric vehicles require complex and costly installations and maintenance, often necessitating specialized personnel and failing to maintain the required IP protection level due to the use of connectors that do not adequately protect against powder and liquids.
Innovation Solution
A column charging system with a quick connection system that separates civil works from electric works during installation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring connectors with gasket-like elements to maintain a high IP protection level without the need for internal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed installation with permanent power supply connection is used, then security and IP protection level are guaranteed, but installation and maintenance complexity increases and requires specialized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is divided into separable modules: a base portion with female connector fixed to the ground, and a movable portion with male connector that can be connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the power connection to be permanent at the base while enabling easy maintenance of the movable portion without requiring specialized personnel to work under voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector and its associated electronics are extracted as a separate movable portion that can be easily removed from the base. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to replace the entire movable portion as a single unit without needing to work on electrical connections, thereby reducing maintenance complexity and eliminating the need for specialized electrical workers.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are used to separate the charging station from power supply, then installation and maintenance become simpler, but IP protection level deteriorates due to inadequate protection against powder and liquids
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket-like sealing element is incorporated into the connector design to create a flexible seal between the male and female connectors. This sealing element maintains the IP protection level by preventing ingress of powder and liquids through the connector interface, while still allowing the connector to be easily connected and disconnected for maintenance purposes.
3Ease of repair
If a door is provided for accessing internal components, then maintenance becomes possible, but IP protection level degrades over time due to continuous opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a door in the main structure, the charging station is segmented into a fixed base portion and a movable portion that can be completely removed. This eliminates the need for doors and gaskets that would degrade over time, while still providing easy access to internal components by simply detaching the movable portion.
4Reliability
If specialized personnel are required for maintenance, then safety is ensured, but maintenance costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector and its associated electronics are extracted as a separate movable portion that can be easily removed and replaced without requiring specialized electrical work. This allows maintenance personnel to perform replacements quickly by simply disconnecting and reconnecting mechanical connectors, eliminating the need for specialized electrical safety procedures and significantly reducing maintenance time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a column charging system (1) for electric vehicles comprising: - a base portion (2) fastened on a resting plane on the ground; - a charging device (3); - at least a female connector (6) and at least a male connector (7) coupled according to a quick-fitting configuration; - positioning means (8, 9) of said charging device (3) with respect to said base portion (2).