Conductive EV Charging Contact Interface Against Soiling and Lock-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive charging systems for electric vehicles are prone to environmental soiling and mechanical issues during power failures, making them unreliable and complex for end-users.
Innovation Solution
A conductive charging system featuring a motor-adjustable scissor lift table to vertically position a cylindrical or truncated conical electrical contacting unit with multiple contact rings, which is received by a vehicle-mounted device with radially positionable contact elements, allowing for secure electrical and mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the contact element is arranged in an open configuration, then accessibility and ease of connection are improved, but susceptibility to environmental influences and soiling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is nested within a housing structure that provides protection from environmental influences. The contact element can extend outward for connection and retract inward for protection, creating a nested configuration that resolves the contradiction between accessibility and protection from soiling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the contact elements remain mechanically connected after power failure, then structural stability is maintained, but ability to disconnect and move the vehicle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanently connected state to a dynamic system that can adapt its connection state. The contact elements are designed to automatically disconnect when power is lost, allowing the vehicle to move while maintaining structural stability during normal operation through controlled connection and disconnection cycles.
3Extent of automation
If a multiaxial robot is used for automated plug insertion, then charging automation is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed to perform automated connection and disconnection operations without requiring complex external robotic systems. The contact elements and housing are configured to automatically engage and disengage through simple mechanical movements, enabling self-service automation that reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining high automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for conductively charging a motor vehicle includes a charging device and a receiving device. The charging device has an electrical contacting unit and a lifting device operable for axially moving the contacting unit between retracted and extended positions. The receiving device has a receiving chamber for receiving the contacting unit inserted therein when the contacting unit is moved to an extended position. The contacting unit has a cylindrical or truncated cone body and includes an electrical contact ring extending around a lateral surface of the body of the contacting unit. The receiving device includes a radially position-able electrical contact element along the receiving chamber. When the contact element is in one radial position while the contacting unit is inserted into the receiving chamber the contact element electrically contacts the contact ring and mechanically fixes the contacting unit to the receiving device inside the receiving chamber.