EV Conduction Charging Contact Shoe and Ground Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stationary recharging systems for electric vehicles, particularly induction systems, fail to provide sufficient power for heavy vehicles like trams and trucks, and they have limitations in short stop times for complete recharging, while also raising health concerns due to significant magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A conduction stationary recharging system that includes a power supply contact on the ground with a switching device and a contact shoe on the vehicle, allowing for high power transfer and reduced deployment costs, with safety features to minimize health risks, using two-way communication for precise contact management and power control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If induction stationary recharging systems are used, then power transfer capability is improved, but magnetic field exposure increases causing health concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic induction system with a direct mechanical contact system. Instead of using magnetic fields to transfer energy wirelessly, the invention uses physical contact between the contact shoe and power supply contact to establish an electrical connection, thereby eliminating magnetic field exposure while maintaining power transfer capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a contact shoe as an intermediary element that physically bridges the vehicle and the power supply contact. This mechanical intermediary replaces the electromagnetic field intermediary, enabling direct electrical contact without generating harmful magnetic fields

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixed static recharging systems are used, then safety is improved, but recharging time increases making vehicle unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrecharging time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control elements including a movable contact shoe that can be raised or lowered, and switching devices that dynamically control power supply. This allows the system to transition between safe isolated states and active charging states, enabling quick connection and disconnection while maintaining safety through controlled dynamics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device preliminarily assesses charging conditions before initiating power transfer. The switching device is prepared in advance to quickly establish or break electrical connections, enabling rapid charging initiation and termination, thus reducing vehicle unavailability while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conduction recharging system with contact shoe is used, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but complexity of contact management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontact management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control where the control device monitors the charging state and automatically controls the contact shoe position and switching device operation. This closed-loop control simplifies contact management by using automated feedback rather than manual intervention, maintaining high power transfer efficiency while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient and safe high-power recharging of electric vehicles, ensuring they are ready for immediate use after short stop times, with reduced magnetic field exposure and lower costs compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply contact, positioned on the ground and associated with a current return means, and a switching device able to bring the power supply contact to a supply voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10500978B2Assembly consisting of an electric vehicle and a system for stationary charging by conduction; associated system, facility, vehicle and method

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA

AI summary

An assembly made up of a recharging system including a power supply contact on the ground, and a switching device, to bring the power supply contact to a supply voltage delivered by a source to which the recharging system is connected, and a vehicle including a contact shoe electrically connected to onboard energy storage means, the contact shoe being placed below the vehicle and movable between a high position and a low position, the vehicle including a control device able to command the movement of the contact shoe from the high position to the low position so that it is placed in contact with the power supply contact, only when the vehicle is stopped in said predetermined position allowing the capture of energy from the recharging system, in which the footprint of the vehicle covers the power supply contact.