Automated EV Charging Device With Inactive Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated parking systems pose challenges for recharging electric and hybrid vehicles due to safety risks from high-voltage electrical contacts and limited access to charging sockets, making it difficult for users to recharge their vehicles efficiently and safely within these systems.
Innovation Solution
A charging device for hybrid or electric vehicles in automated parking, featuring a vertically developing column with a socket and magnetized elements for secure attachment, a recess for vehicle carriages, and electric contacts that remain inactive until coupled with automated parking system contacts, ensuring safe and efficient recharging by avoiding direct user access to high-voltage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charging device is positioned in the automated parking area with high-voltage electrical contacts, then recharging capability is provided, but safety risk increases due to potential accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are extracted from the traditional column socket and integrated directly into the charging device that moves with the vehicle. This separation removes the high-voltage contacts from fixed infrastructure locations where users might accidentally contact them, concentrating the electrical function within the controlled charging device assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle battery and the external power supply. It includes control circuitry that manages the electrical connection, ensuring that power transfer only occurs when the device is properly positioned and connected, thereby mediating the hazardous electrical energy transfer in a controlled manner.
2Ease of operation
If the charging device is made portable and attachable to moving carriages, then user access is improved, but device stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device transitions from a static column-mounted socket to a dynamic system that attaches to and moves with the vehicle carriage. The device is designed to be stationary relative to the carriage it attaches to, creating a moving reference frame that maintains stability during vehicle relocation while improving user accessibility throughout the parking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into mobile charging devices that can be independently attached to different carriages. Each charging device is a self-contained unit with its own power supply and control systems, allowing flexible distribution throughout the parking area while maintaining operational stability at each attachment point.
3Productivity
If electrical contacts are always powered for immediate charging, then charging speed increases, but safety risk increases due to constant high-voltage presence
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are powered periodically rather than continuously. Power is supplied to the contacts only when the charging device is properly attached to a vehicle carriage and ready for charging. This periodic activation maintains charging readiness while eliminating the constant safety hazard of always-powered high-voltage contacts in the parking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device includes control circuitry that automatically detects when it is properly attached to a vehicle and when charging conditions are met. The system self-manages the power activation, eliminating the need for manual switching while ensuring power is only applied when safe and appropriate, thus maintaining productivity without constant power presence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and automated recharging of electric and hybrid vehicles within automated parking systems by preventing accidental electrical contact and allowing for efficient energy transfer, even in areas where traditional socket access is restricted, thereby enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetized elements susceptible of allowing the removable adhesion of said device to a supporting plate
Data Source
AI summary
Charging device of hybrid or electric vehicles in an automated parking, said device (10) comprising: —a column (100) substantially developing vertically; —a current socket (110) positioned in substantial correspondence of a first terminal portion of the said column (100), and—a supporting element (130) of the said column (100), substantially developing along a direction which is orthogonal respective to the direction defined by said column (100), wherein: —said device (10) of recharge comprises a recess or profile (135) suitable for allowing the introduction of a tooth of a carriage for moving vehicles; —a plurality of electric contacts (195), each of which is cabled with a respective electric contact of the said current socket (110), wherein said plurality of electric contacts (195) is positioned in correspondence of a second terminal portion of the said column (100) opposed respective to said first terminal portion of the said column (100); —said electric contacts (195) being electrically disengaged in case the device (10) is not electrically coupled with coupling contacts of a system of automated parking.