EV Charging Connector With Electromagnetic Self-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unreliable process of manually plugging in electric vehicles, especially in fleet operations, leads to uncharged vehicles, resulting in revenue loss and operational delays due to the reliance on human intervention and potential congestion when vehicles are parked in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
An automated vehicle charging system utilizing a vehicle charging connector with controllable electromagnets and electrically actuated mechanical connectors to facilitate computer-controlled and semi-autonomous charging, allowing for efficient engagement and disengagement with the vehicle charge port, enabling gravity-assisted and electromagnetically guided connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual plugging in is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of charging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector performs self-alignment and self-engagement using electromagnetic attraction forces. The connector autonomously navigates to the charge port and establishes connection without human intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while improving charging reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical alignment and engagement mechanisms are replaced with electromagnetic field-based guidance and attraction. The electromagnets create force fields that guide the connector to the correct position and maintain connection, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing reliability.
2Productivity
If human intervention is required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions automatically before the actual charging connection is needed. The connector proactively seeks out and engages with the charge port, eliminating waiting time and human intervention delays while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized automation protocols.
3Area of stationary object
If vehicles are parked in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but harmful factors increase due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
Electromagnetic fields serve as intermediaries between the charging connector and charge port, enabling precise control and guidance of the connection process. This intermediary field-based interaction allows vehicles to be parked closely together without physical interference, as the electromagnetic guidance system can navigate and engage connectors accurately in confined spaces, eliminating operational congestion.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient charging of electric vehicles, reducing downtime and revenue loss by automating the charging process, especially beneficial for fleets where multiple vehicles can charge simultaneously, ensuring they are ready for deployment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one controllable electromagnet configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle charging connectors, vehicle charging connector systems, and vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle charging connector includes at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with electrical contacts of a vehicle charge port. At least one controllable electromagnet may be configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle. The connector also includes at least one controllable electrically actuated mechanical connector configured to provide mechanical engagement and disengagement between the vehicle charging connector and the charge port.