EV Charging Connector Pre-Alignment for Mixed Inlet Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EV charging systems for industrial work machines are laborious and time-consuming due to the need for manual selection and alignment of connectors, which vary significantly in standard, placement, and orientation, leading to increased charging times and errors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a PEV with a positioning module and communication module, and a battery charging station with an actuation mechanism, that anticipates the arrival of the PEV by monitoring its parameters and identity, and pre-readies the corresponding connector for charging, allowing for automatic alignment and coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and alignment of connectors is used at charging stations, then the system can accommodate diverse vehicle inlet types, but the charging process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station determines the vehicle inlet type in advance (before physical connection) using communication between the vehicle's transceiver and the charging station's controller. This preliminary identification allows the system to prepare and position the appropriate connector beforehand, eliminating manual selection time and reducing overall charging time while maintaining compatibility with diverse vehicle types
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and alignment of connectors is required, then the charging station can handle different vehicle types, but operator effort and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic vehicle inlet type determination through communication between the vehicle transceiver and charging station controller. The charging station automatically identifies the correct connector type and positions it for coupling without requiring operator intervention, thereby reducing manual effort and minimizing potential for human error while maintaining versatility across different vehicle types
3Productivity
If the charging station waits for vehicle arrival before preparing connectors, then resource allocation is optimized, but charging process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station determines the vehicle inlet type and prepares the appropriate connector in advance, before the vehicle physically arrives at the charging position. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during the charging process and improves overall productivity, while the system efficiently manages resources by only activating connector preparation when a charging request is communicated
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle are disclosed. The system includes a plug-in electric vehicle having a frame, a rechargeable battery pack, a vehicle inlet, a positioning module, and a first communication module; and a battery charging station having a plurality of connectors, an actuation mechanism, and a second communication module. The battery charging station is in operative communication with the PEV, can anticipate an arrival of the PEV, and can ready a connector corresponding to the PEV's vehicle inlet type. The method includes monitoring one or more characterising parameters of a PEV, determining that the PEV needs charging, routing the PEV to a battery charging station, transmitting forecasting information and an identity of the PEV to the battery charging station, and charging the PEV at the battery charging station.