Reconfigurable EV Charging Robot Nested Under Parked Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is impractical and economically unjustifiable due to the long time required for battery charging, the high cost of installing charging stations at every parking spot, and the inefficiency of existing mobile charging robots that block traffic and occupy space for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for delivering manned or unmanned charging vehicles that can rapidly identify and charge parked electric vehicles with minimal interference, using reconfigurable charging robots that deploy under the vehicle's footprint, allowing for quick engagement and disengagement, and utilizing a centralized service to manage charging requests and logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging stations are installed at every parking spot, then EV charging accessibility is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging service is segmented into mobile units that can be deployed to multiple locations rather than having fixed charging stations at every parking spot. This allows the system to provide charging accessibility to many locations without the high cost of permanent infrastructure at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized service management system acts as an intermediary between EV users and mobile charging units. This system coordinates charging requests, dispatches appropriate mobile units, and manages the overall charging network, reducing the need for direct infrastructure at each parking location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile charging robots are used, then charging service flexibility is improved, but traffic blocking and space occupation increase during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging unit is designed to nest under the EV's footprint during charging operations. The charging robot positions itself within the space already occupied by the parked vehicle, minimizing additional space occupation and avoiding traffic blocking while maintaining service flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from horizontal space occupation to vertical integration by positioning the charging unit underneath the EV. This dimensional change allows charging to occur within the vehicle's existing footprint rather than requiring additional lateral space.
3Speed
If fast charging facilities are used, then charging speed is improved, but battery service life and health deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides charging services in partial increments rather than always delivering full battery capacity. By charging to optimal levels rather than always to 100%, the system balances charging speed needs with battery health preservation, extending service life while still meeting user requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts charging parameters such as current and voltage based on battery state, temperature, and user needs. This parameter optimization allows faster charging when appropriate while protecting battery health during critical charging phases, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging robot for supplying electrical energy to a parked electric vehicle to charge one or more batteries of the electric vehicle. The charging robot including: a source of electrical energy; and a charging cable for electrically connecting the source of electrical energy to the one or more batteries of the electric vehicle. Wherein the one or more charging robots are configured to have a first shape and to have a second shape configured to be deployed to charge the one or more batteries of the electric vehicle, the second shape being different from the first shape.