EV Charging Docking Control via Distance-Based Speed Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for electric vehicle charging often result in misalignment between the charging arm and interface due to manual positioning, leading to delays and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves identifying the vehicle as it approaches the charging station, transmitting a distance parameter to determine a desired speed using an algorithm, and controlling the vehicle to align properly with the charging station, ensuring precise docking and electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning by driver is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service docking where the vehicle automatically positions itself at the charging station using onboard sensors and control algorithms, eliminating the need for manual driver positioning while achieving precise alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system using sensors, processors, and control algorithms to determine vehicle position and guide docking, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with electronic automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual positioning by driver is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning actions automatically as the vehicle approaches the charging station, calculating the optimal stopping point in advance to minimize docking time without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle autonomously performs the docking process without driver intervention, using onboard computing resources to execute positioning algorithms and control vehicle movement, reducing both operational complexity and time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If automatic docking control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes: sensors detect both vehicle position and charging station location, while the processor executes both positioning calculations and control commands, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced precision capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where sensors continuously monitor vehicle position relative to the charging station and adjust control signals to achieve precise docking, using simple feedback loops rather than complex predictive models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3187363B1Method of docking an electric vehicle for charging
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 PROTERRA INC
  • EP3187363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3187363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3187363B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A method of docking an electric vehicle at a charging station may include identifying the vehicle as it approaches the charging station and transmitting a distance parameter from the charging station to the vehicle. The distance parameter may be a measure of distance. The method may also include determining a desired speed of the vehicle based on the distance parameter using an algorithm in the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to attain the determined desired speed.