Autonomous EV Charging Robot with Robotic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require manual intervention for connector insertion and removal, and lack autonomous functionality to manage charging door operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-connecting electric vehicle charging robot equipped with a robotic arm, video cameras, and drive motors that autonomously locates and plugs into the vehicle's charging connector, opens and closes the charging door, and moves away after charging is complete, utilizing a control system to manage these operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for connector insertion and removal, then the charging process requires user attention and operation, but this leads to inefficiencies and potential safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot autonomously performs connector insertion, charging door operation, and removal without human intervention. The system self-navigates to the vehicle, self-connects to the charging port, monitors the charging process, and self-dismantles when complete, embodying the self-service principle throughout the entire charging workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The charging robot serves as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle charging system. It handles all complex interactions including navigating to the vehicle, opening charging doors, connecting/disconnecting ports, and monitoring charging status, thereby simplifying the user experience while managing system complexity internally
2Ease of operation
If the robot autonomously manages charging door operations and connector insertion, then manual effort is reduced, but the system requires sophisticated control and sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic mechanisms. Video cameras and sensors detect vehicle positions and charging port locations, while robotic arms with grippers perform precise mechanical actions for door opening and connector manipulation, substituting human mechanical effort with automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs video cameras and sensors to continuously monitor its environment and the charging process. Visual feedback from cameras guides the robotic arm's positioning and connector insertion, while sensors provide real-time status information about charging progress and system state, enabling closed-loop control for precise and safe operation
3Productivity
If the charging process is fully automated without user intervention, then efficiency and safety are improved, but the device requires advanced navigation and detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary actions including navigating to the vehicle and positioning itself before the actual charging connection. Video cameras capture vehicle images in advance to identify the charging port location, and the robotic system pre-positiones the connector before insertion, ensuring smooth and efficient charging operation
Solution Approach 2:
Video cameras and image processing algorithms serve as intermediaries between the robot's navigation system and the physical charging port. The visual system detects vehicle features, calculates port location, and guides the robotic arm's movement, bridging the gap between autonomous navigation and precise connector insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic electric vehicle charging device operable to automatically plug in an electric charging connector to charge the battery pack of an electrically powered vehicle. When charging is completed, the device will disconnect itself from the vehicle and move away from the vehicle.