In-Ground EV Charging Module Conductor Rail Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for powering electric vehicles, such as overhead catenary wires, are unsightly, prone to degradation, and disrupt urban environments, while also requiring constant maintenance and interfering with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained in-ground charging module that connects electric vehicles to an electrical power source through a conductor rail and insulators, eliminating the need for overhead wires by installing the module in the ground surface, ensuring efficient and safe recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overhead catenary wires are used to power electric vehicles, then the vehicle can receive continuous power supply, but the wires are unsightly, disrupt urban appearance, and require constant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductor rail from the overhead space and places it in the ground surface, removing the visual disruption caused by overhead wires while maintaining the power supply function. The charging module is installed in the ground between tracks, eliminating the need for catenary wires above the vehicle path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the power delivery system from a vertical dimension (overhead wires suspended above tracks) to a horizontal dimension (conductor rail embedded in the ground surface). This dimensional change eliminates visual obstruction while preserving electrical connectivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If overhead catenary wires are used, then power can be delivered to moving vehicles, but the wires are exposed to environmental elements and prone to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor rail is extracted from the exposed overhead environment and relocated to the protected ground surface, shielding it from weather elements such as rain, snow, and UV radiation that cause degradation and failure of overhead wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor rail is installed within an enclosure in the ground surface before operation, providing preemptive protection against environmental damage. This pre-protective measure prevents exposure to elements that would otherwise cause degradation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an in-ground charging module is used, then overhead wires are eliminated and urban aesthetics are improved, but the vehicle must temporarily connect to ground-based charging points
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic intermittent charging where the vehicle briefly connects to the ground-based conductor rail at regular intervals or at stopping points along its route. This allows the vehicle to recharge in periodic bursts rather than requiring continuous overhead power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle carries its own energy storage system (battery) and uses the ground-based charging module to periodically replenish it, making the vehicle self-sufficient between charging points and eliminating the need for continuous external power infrastructure.
4Reliability
If conductor rails are installed in the ground surface, then maintenance is reduced and reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to enclosure and insulator requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conductor rail, insulators, and protective enclosure into a single integrated charging module unit. This merging of components simplifies installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection and structural support within one standardized assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the conductor rail from environmental damage, provides structural support, houses the insulators, and defines the installation location in the ground surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective 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 in-ground charging module provides a clean, maintenance-reduced, and traffic-friendly solution for electric vehicle recharging, enhancing urban aesthetics and operational efficiency by eliminating the need for overhead wires and ensuring safe electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The conductor rail is configured to transmit electric current from the electrical power source to the electric vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the at least one external insulator being disposed between the conductor rail and at least one of the sides of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A charging module for an electric vehicle includes an enclosure having a plurality of sides and an at least partially open top, the enclosure defining a hollow interior; a conductor rail disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure, the conductor rail being configured to be placed in electric communication with an electrical power source; and at least one external insulator disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure adjacent to the conductor rail. The at least one external insulator is disposed between the conductor rail and at least one of the sides of the enclosure. The conductor rail is configured to transmit electrical energy from the electrical power source to the electric vehicle.