Automated EV Charging Connector Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for connecting and disconnecting power between electric vehicles and charging stations are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly for frequent charging and V2G applications, where automation is desired to reduce user burden and improve charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power receiving and feeding apparatus that includes a connector moving unit capable of moving a connector in the lateral and vertical directions, controlled by a power receiving and feeding equipment control unit, which aligns and couples the connector to the vehicle's power receiving and feeding outlet without manual operation, allowing for automated connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of charging connector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be movable in lateral and vertical directions, transitioning from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position, enabling automated alignment with the charging outlet while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector moving unit automatically positions and connects the connector to the charging outlet without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for user operation
2Productivity
If automated connector moving unit is introduced, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector moving unit serves multiple functions: lateral movement for alignment, vertical movement for connection/disconnection, and obstacle avoidance, consolidating these capabilities into a single multi-functional mechanism that improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the connector moving unit's actions based on detected charging outlet positions, simplifying the control architecture while enabling automated high-speed connection operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If connector moves in multiple directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic movement capabilities in lateral and vertical directions, allowing it to adapt to different charging outlet positions and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through coordinated motion control
Data Source
AI summary
A power receiving and feeding apparatus is provided which includes a connector coupled to a power receiving and feeding outlet of an electric motor vehicle, a connector moving unit that moves the connector in a lateral direction and a vertical direction, and a position determination unit that determines a position of the power receiving and feeding outlet of the electric motor vehicle based on a position information of the electric motor vehicle and a vehicle information of the electric motor vehicle. The connector moving unit is caused to move the connector at a position higher than a predetermined height in the lateral direction and then in the vertical direction to align the connector to the position of the power receiving and feeding outlet so as to couple the connector to the power receiving and feeding outlet.