Hands-Free Vehicle Charging via Alignment Pin Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) require manual connection to an external power supply for charging, which can be inconvenient due to dirty or wet charge cables and the need for drivers to exit the vehicle, especially when cables are inconveniently stored.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free vehicle charging system that includes a ground station with a guide and alignment pin, and a vehicle-mounted charge receptacle assembly with a deployable alignment pin, allowing the vehicle to automatically align with the charging station without the driver needing to exit, using sensors and a controller to manage the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of charging cable is used, then driver can control charging process, but driver must exit vehicle and handle dirty/wet cables
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service charging where the vehicle automatically connects to the charging station without driver intervention. The alignment pin on the vehicle autonomously engages with the guide on the charging station, and the electrical connector automatically mates with the charge receptacle, eliminating the need for the driver to manually handle charging cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of connecting charging cables with an automated mechanical alignment and engagement system. The deployable alignment pin and movable guide work together to automatically position and connect the electrical connector to the charge receptacle, substituting driver action with an automated mechanical process.
2Ease of operation
If self-aligning vehicle charger is used, then driver convenience is improved, but alignment precision must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin serves as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the charging station. It mediates the alignment process by providing a physical reference point that guides the electrical connector into proper alignment with the charge receptacle, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment action through the deployable alignment pin that extends before the electrical connector engagement. This preliminary action establishes the correct spatial relationship between the vehicle and charging station, ensuring that when the connector engages, precise alignment is already achieved.
3Productivity
If automatic alignment system is implemented, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a deployable alignment pin on the vehicle side, a movable guide on the charging station side, and the electrical connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while achieving automatic alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including the deployable alignment pin that can extend and retract, and the movable guide that can adjust its position. These dynamic components enable the system to adapt to slight variations in positioning while maintaining automatic alignment capability, achieving fast connection without excessive complexity.
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 convenient and automatic charging of vehicles while the driver remains inside, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving user experience by ensuring precise alignment and efficient charging without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The guide may have a locating region configured to receive the alignment pin and translate along a track in response to the alignment pin contacting the locating region
Implementation Method 2
The primary coil may be movable with the guide to align the primary coil and the secondary coil, in response to the guide pin contacting the movable guide
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system may include a charge receptacle and an alignment pin mounted to a vehicle and a ground station. The ground station may include a guide having a locating region configured to receive the alignment pin and in response to the alignment pin contacting the locating region translate along a track. An electrical connector may be configured to engage the charge receptacle. The electrical connector may be disposed within a housing associated with the guide.