Automated EV Charging Connector Positioning via Visual Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging is a time-consuming process that requires manual intervention and can take up to 10 hours, necessitating the development of a more efficient and automated system for connector positioning and charging.
Innovation Solution
An automatic charging device (ACD) with a charger link, actuator, and camera system that captures images of a pattern on the vehicle's electrical connector to determine the necessary displacement and actuate the charger connector into a mating position, enabling automated positioning and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual connector positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own camera and processing units to automatically detect and guide connector positioning, eliminating the need for external manual intervention while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The camera captures images of the connector position beforehand, and the processor pre-calculates the required displacement before actuation begins, enabling faster and more accurate connector positioning
2Ease of operation
If automated positioning system is implemented, then charging convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing camera and processor units are repurposed for connector positioning tasks, allowing the system to perform multiple functions (navigation, charging positioning) without adding dedicated specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
A pattern marker is introduced as an intermediary visual reference between the charger and vehicle connector, enabling the camera system to accurately detect and measure connector position and displacement
3Productivity
If traditional power transfer rate is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but charging duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables higher power transfer rates by automating the precise connector positioning required for high-speed charging, changing the operational parameters from manual low-rate charging to automated high-rate charging
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes capturing an image of at least a portion of a pattern positioned in a fixed location in a landing zone of an EV-side electrical connector in a fixed position on or in an underside of the EV. The method includes determining, based on the image, a displacement of a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position to a final position, the final position corresponding to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector. The method includes actuating the charger-side electrical connector from the initial position to the final position according to the displacement.