EV Charging Robot Auto-Disconnect to Free Occupied Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems face issues with blocking fees due to vehicles failing to disconnect promptly from charging stations, leading to unavailable charging cables and reduced flexibility for users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a charging station with a charging robot that automatically disconnects the electric vehicle upon request, allowing the vehicle to autonomously move to a designated location, thereby preventing blocking fees and ensuring cable availability for other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually disconnects the electric vehicle from the charging station, then the charging station can be released for other vehicles, but the user may be hindered and fail to disconnect in good time, resulting in blocking fees
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic disconnection where the charging robot autonomously disconnects the charging plug from the vehicle's charging socket after charging completion, without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures timely release of the charging station while eliminating the need for user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical disconnection action with an automated charging robot that uses mechanical arms to grasp and retract the charging cable, and to disconnect the plug. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical systems ensures reliable and timely disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the charging cable remains connected after charging, then the user can avoid manual disconnection efforts, but the charging cable blocks other electric vehicles from being charged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot autonomously performs the disconnection task after charging completion, automatically grasping the charging plug and retracting it from the vehicle socket. This self-service approach ensures the charging station is released promptly without manual user intervention, maintaining both ease of operation and station availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors charging status and triggers the disconnection process automatically when charging is complete. The charging robot receives feedback signals about charging completion and executes the disconnection sequence accordingly, ensuring timely release of the charging cable and station.
3Productivity
If a charging robot is introduced to automatically disconnect the vehicle, then the charging station availability is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: guiding the charging cable to the vehicle, connecting the charging plug, monitoring charging status, and disconnecting after charging. By consolidating these functions into a single robotic system, the patent manages complexity while achieving automated operation and station availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging robot acts as an intermediary between the charging station infrastructure and the electric vehicle. It mediates the connection and disconnection processes, handling the physical manipulation of the charging cable and plug while communicating with both the station control system and the vehicle's charging system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging an electric vehicle is provided, which includes a charging station charging an electric vehicle connected to the charging station and situated at a charging location of the charging station. A related system for charging an electric vehicle is also provided.