Energy Absorbing System for Electric Vehicle Charging Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electric vehicles on the road poses a risk to electric vehicle charging stations due to potential collisions and vandalism, which can result in damage and exposure to high voltage, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an energy absorbing system for electric vehicle charging stations, comprising a polymeric or composite material with energy absorbing elements that can be easily assembled and configured to absorb impact energy, protecting the charging station from damage and ensuring safety by dissipating energy from impacting objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy absorbing system is added to protect the charging station, then safety and damage protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing system is divided into multiple energy absorbing elements (first element, second element, etc.) that can be individually manufactured and then assembled together. Each element contains compartments that can be separately filled with energy absorbing material, allowing for modular construction that improves safety while managing complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing elements are nested within the housing of the charging station, with each element containing multiple compartments nested within it. The elements are positioned one after another along the major axis, creating a nested arrangement that provides comprehensive protection without requiring a completely separate external structure.
2Loss of energy
If multiple energy absorbing elements are used to increase protection, then energy absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple discrete energy absorbing elements instead of a single large structure. Each element can be manufactured using the same processes (injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming), allowing for standardized production that simplifies manufacturing despite the increased number of components. The segments can be produced independently and then assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Each energy absorbing element is designed to perform the same function (absorb impact energy) and can be manufactured using the same methods and materials. This universality allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, where the same tooling and processes are used for each element, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite having multiple elements.
3Strength
If the energy absorbing system is made robust to handle high impact, then protection capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing elements are made from polymeric or composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These materials can absorb significant impact energy (500-2000 Joules) while remaining lighter than traditional metal protective structures. The composite nature allows for tuning of mechanical properties to achieve optimal protection with minimal weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing elements contain compartments that can be filled with porous energy absorbing material. Porous materials are effective at absorbing impact energy through cell collapse and deformation mechanisms while maintaining low density. This allows the system to handle high impact forces without requiring heavy solid structures.
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
The energy absorbing system effectively mitigates damage to electric vehicle charging stations by absorbing impact energy between 500 Joules to 2,000 Joules, preventing damage to internal components and reducing repair costs, while enhancing safety by reducing the risk of electrical shock or explosion.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing system configured to absorb impact energy and engage an impacting object
Implementation Method 2
the energy absorbing system is configured to engage an impacting object
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
In one embodiment, an electric vehicle charging station comprises a base and a body extending from the base along a major axis of the electric vehicle charging station; and an energy absorbing system comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a connecting wall disposed therebetween the first wall and the second wall creating a compartment; wherein the body receives the energy absorbing system; and wherein the energy absorbing system is configured to engage an impacting object.