Electric Vehicle Charging Interface Device with Spring-Biased Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems require manual intervention or low-power, safety-limited charging, and lack efficient high-power charging capabilities for autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging interface device with electrodes extending from a chassis that moves between uncompressed and compressed positions, biased by a spring mechanism, allowing for high-power charging when an electric vehicle with complementary electrodes mates with the device, and an interlock ensures power is only supplied when the vehicle is properly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual plug charging is used, then charging can be performed, but manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface device automatically extends electrodes to mate with the vehicle's charging port without requiring manual plug insertion. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement force, and the system self-regulates the charging connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable rather than static. The electrodes can move between retracted and extended positions to automatically engage and disengage from the vehicle's charging port.
2Power
If floor-based electrodes are used, then charging infrastructure is simplified, but power transmission is limited to low power for safety reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface device acts as an intermediary between the floor-based electrode and the vehicle's charging port. It includes an interlock mechanism that detects proper mating and controls power delivery, enabling high-power charging while maintaining safety through automated verification of connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive floor electrodes with an active charging interface that includes detection and control mechanisms. This substitution enables high-power transmission by incorporating intelligent control systems that monitor and manage the charging process safely.
3Power
If active charging interface systems with stepper motors are used, then high power charging is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex active control system (stepper motors, etc.) from the vehicle and places it in the fixed charging infrastructure instead. The vehicle only needs simple complementary electrodes, while the complex electrode extension, retraction, and control mechanisms are located in the charging station.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of equipping the vehicle with complex active charging interfaces, the invention inverts the approach by placing the active electrode extension and control mechanisms in the charging infrastructure. The vehicle's charging interface remains simple and passive.
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 high-power charging of electric vehicles safely and efficiently by ensuring electrodes are securely connected and power is only applied when the vehicle is mated, overcoming limitations of manual intervention and low-power charging.
Implementation Method 1
the chassis being biased towards the uncompressed position using a biasing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging interface device is provided. The device includes a chassis having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side opposite the front side, the chassis configured to move between an uncompressed position and a compressed position relative to a longitudinal axis. The device further includes two electrodes extending from the front side of the chassis, and, a biasing portion configured to bias the chassis towards the uncompressed position.