EV Charging Docking via Real-Time Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The docking process for electric vehicles, such as buses, is often inefficient due to the need for precise positioning of the vehicle under an overhanging charge head, leading to potential misalignment and repeated attempts, which can be time-consuming and dependent on operator experience.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves collecting and transmitting data from the electric vehicle to the charging station, including distance and speed, to calculate a corrected distance and determine the relative position, allowing for automatic alignment and connection of the charge head with the charging interface, even when the vehicle is moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bus is manually positioned under the charge head for docking, then the operator can control the positioning process, but the docking time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service docking by allowing the bus to autonomously navigate to and dock with the charging station without operator intervention. The bus uses its own sensors and communication systems to determine position, calculate alignment, and execute docking maneuvers automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning while maintaining high docking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electronic control system. Instead of relying on operator skill and manual vehicle control, the system uses electronic communication between the bus and charging station, computational algorithms for position calculation, and automated steering/control systems to achieve precise docking, thereby increasing productivity.
2Productivity
If the bus travels at high speed towards the charging station, then productivity improves, but positioning precision deteriorates leading to docking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations and corrections before the bus reaches the charging station. By continuously computing the required steering adjustments and docking parameters in advance based on real-time position data, the system ensures accurate alignment even when the bus approaches at high speed, preventing docking errors while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bus continuously transmits position data to the charging station, which calculates alignment requirements and communicates corrective steering commands back to the bus. This closed-loop feedback system allows the bus to maintain high approach speed while automatically adjusting its position to achieve precise docking alignment.
3Reliability
If the docking process requires several attempts due to misalignment, then reliability of single-attempt docking improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error docking attempts with an automated computational system that calculates the precise docking trajectory and alignment requirements. The system uses electronic data exchange between the bus and charging station to determine exact position and orientation, then guides the bus through the correct approach path, ensuring docking success on the first attempt and eliminating time-wasting repeated attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the docking trajectory and alignment parameters before the bus begins its approach. By pre-computing the optimal path and required steering adjustments based on real-time position data, the system ensures that the bus is correctly aligned for docking on the first attempt, preventing the need for repeated attempts and reducing time loss.
4Reliability
If the charge head is lowered to engage with the charging interface, then electrical connection is established, but the risk of collision with vehicle components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment calculations and position verification before the charge head is lowered. By continuously monitoring the bus position and calculating the precise docking trajectory in advance, the system ensures that the charge head will align correctly with the charging interface, preventing collision with other vehicle components while establishing reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the system continuously monitors the relative position between the charge head and the bus during the docking approach. Based on real-time position data transmitted from the bus, the system adjusts the charge head positioning or communicates steering corrections to the bus to maintain proper alignment, thereby preventing collision while ensuring successful electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of docking an electric vehicle with a charging station includes periodically transmitting data from the vehicle to the charging station. The transmitted data may include a distance travelled by the vehicle location towards the charging station and its speed. An incremental distance travelled by the vehicle in a time interval between when the data is collected and received is calculated, and the distance corrected based on this calculated value. The relative position of the vehicle with respect to the charging station is determined based on the corrected distance, and a charge head of the charging station is automatically connected with the charging interface of the vehicle based on the determined relative position.