EV Charging Post With Robotic Cable Handling and Parking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems are inefficient and lack advanced control mechanisms for authorized parking, particularly in environments where traditional markings are deteriorated or absent, and there is a need for integrated solutions that facilitate both charging and parking management.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a housing mounted on a post, equipped with a robotic arm for automatic charging, integrated with a control system for authorized parking, including a camera, sound broadcasting, and communication systems to manage vehicle access, and a light projector to define parking spaces, along with wireless charging options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cable management is used in traditional charging systems, then the system structure is simple, but cable organization becomes messy and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a robotic arm that autonomously performs cable management tasks including extending, connecting, retracting, and organizing the charging cable without human intervention. The robotic arm self-regulates the cable deployment and retraction processes, eliminating the need for manual cable handling while maintaining system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cable handling with an automated robotic system controlled by a control unit. The robotic arm uses motorized mechanisms to extend and retract the cable, substituting human-operated mechanical actions with automated electromechanical systems for improved precision and efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If automated robotic arm charging system is implemented, then charging efficiency and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed to perform multiple functions including cable extension, connection to vehicle, charging process control, disconnection, and cable retraction. The control unit integrates authorization verification, payment processing, and robotic coordination into a single unified system, reducing overall system complexity despite high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests multiple functional components within the housing structure, including the robotic arm mechanism, control unit, authorization system, and payment processing module. This nested arrangement consolidates complex automated functions into a compact integrated unit, managing device complexity through hierarchical organization.
3Ease of operation
If in-ground hidden charging cable is used, then cable organization and aesthetics are improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is relocated from a surface-level configuration to an in-ground hidden installation. The cable runs through underground conduits or channels, emerging at strategic points to connect with the robotic arm. This dimensional transition to subsurface routing improves cable organization and aesthetics while distributing installation complexity across the ground infrastructure.
4Reliability
If authorization and payment processing systems are integrated, then security and revenue management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization verification system and payment processing system are merged into the control unit, which also manages the robotic arm operations. This consolidation integrates security, financial, and operational control functions into a single centralized controller, improving security and revenue management while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate distributed systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for charging a vehicle includes a housing mounted on an upstanding post affixed to the ground and an electrical outlet having a charging system with a connecting lead and a charging head for connection to the vehicle. The connecting lead is mounted and contained within a hollow interior of the post and includes including a lead supply device or reel at the base of the post for supplying a length of the connecting lead for movement of the charging head from a storage position at the post to charging position at the vehicle. The storage position is located at an opening adjacent a front face of the housing and can be pulled manually or can be carried on an arm which can move the charging head to the charging position on the vehicle. The reel can be mounted within a container under the base of the post.