Autonomous EV Charging Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems face difficulties in connecting charging stations to electric vehicles, especially in adverse weather conditions and space-constrained environments, requiring manual intervention that is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous charging system that uses sensors and self-driving capabilities to position the vehicle's charging port and the charging station's connector within a defined connection envelope, allowing for automatic alignment and connection through coordinated movement along x, y, and z axes, facilitated by system controllers and intelligent agents communicating over a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of charging station to vehicle is used, then ease of operation is reduced due to cumbersome and time-consuming process, but device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs automatic alignment and connection of the charging connector to the vehicle charging port without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect positions, controllers to coordinate movements along x, y, and z axes, and automated mechanisms to complete the connection process, enabling the system to serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions before the actual charging connection. The vehicle and charging station move into proper positions, sensors detect alignment status, and the connector is pre-positioned within a connection envelope before final contact is made, ensuring smooth operation.
2Productivity
If automatic alignment and connection is implemented, then productivity is improved through reduced time and effort, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensors for detection, controllers for coordination, and movement mechanisms for positioning. Each component handles a specific aspect of the connection process, allowing for efficient automated operation while organizing complexity into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified charging connection system. The same sensors and controllers that manage vehicle positioning also manage charging station alignment, and the connection mechanism serves both alignment and electrical connection purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If charging connection is made in adverse weather conditions, then reliability is improved by maintaining charging capability, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The automated connection system eliminates the need for manual intervention during charging connection, allowing the system to operate reliably in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures where manual operation would be difficult or unsafe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions that ensure proper connection before charging begins, regardless of weather conditions. This pre-positioning ensures reliable connection establishment even in challenging environmental conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If space-constrained environment charging is attempted, then adaptability is improved by enabling charging in limited spaces, but ease of operation worsens due to manual alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system incorporates dynamic movement capabilities along x, y, and z axes that allow the charging station and vehicle to adjust their positions relative to each other. This dynamic positioning enables charging in space-constrained environments by automatically finding the correct alignment regardless of initial positioning constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the positions of the vehicle and charging station, providing feedback to the controllers. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments to alignment, allowing the system to adapt to space constraints and achieve proper connection even in limited spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station can be autonomously coupled to an electric vehicle. Sensors on the vehicle determine a location of the vehicle, and the vehicle is positioned within a connection envelope. A travel path for bringing a charging connector into contact with a charging port on the vehicle can be determined, and then the travel path is autonomously carried out.