Underside Mounted EV Coupling Module for Automated Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transmission systems for motor vehicles require high operational effort and technical complexity, especially when attempting to establish an automated energy connection, as robots struggle to navigate around the vehicle, particularly in tight spaces like garages or between parked vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A coupling module is designed to be mounted on the underside of a motor vehicle, featuring a protective housing with a rotatable or pivotable protective device and a positioning sensor, allowing for efficient and automated energy transmission with reduced vertical navigation requirements, enabling easier access for robots and improved operator comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling module is arranged on the side of the motor vehicle, then it is accessible for manual connection, but it requires high technical effort and creates navigation obstacles for automated coupling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling module is inverted from the conventional side-mounted position to an underside-mounted position on the motor vehicle. This inversion allows automated coupling devices to approach from below without navigating around the vehicle, eliminating the navigation obstacles while maintaining connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling module transitions from a horizontal arrangement (side of vehicle) to a vertical arrangement (underside of vehicle). This dimensional change enables automated devices to access the coupling point from the vertical direction, simplifying navigation paths and reducing the need for complex lateral maneuvering
2Ease of operation
If the coupling module is arranged on the side of the motor vehicle, then manual connection is possible, but automated coupling devices face navigation difficulties in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the coupling module to the underside of the vehicle, the system enables automated coupling devices to approach directly from below, eliminating the need to navigate around the vehicle's side. This significantly improves automation efficiency in tight spaces like garages and parking lots
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated coupling where the robot can independently navigate to and connect with the coupling module without human intervention. The underside positioning allows the robot to perform this function efficiently by simply approaching from below rather than navigating complex lateral paths
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective device is added to protect the plug-in receptacle, then environmental protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective flap is used to cover the plug-in receptacle, providing environmental protection while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The flap can be made from flexible or semi-rigid materials that offer protection without requiring complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The protective flap is designed to be automatically opened by the coupling device during the connection process and automatically closed after disconnection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining structural simplicity while providing necessary protection
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling module (1) configured for transmitting energy to a motor vehicle, comprising a plug receptacle (3) configured for establishing an energy-transmitting functional connection, and a protective device (5) that is movable into an open and a closed position and is configured to protect the plug receptacle (3) from at least one environmental influence in the closed position. The coupling module (1) is designed for mounting on the underside of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle and an energy transmission system for transmitting energy to a motor vehicle.