Hands-Free Vehicle Charging System with Robotic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems require manual alignment and connection, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), due to limited power delivery capacity and the need for precise location of inductive charging coils.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled vehicle charging system with a drive system, positioning mechanism, and control module that automatically aligns and engages a charge delivery device with a vehicle's charge receiving device, reducing operator intervention and increasing charging efficiency through conductive or inductive charging methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and connection is used for vehicle charging, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs alignment and connection operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The robotic arm automatically positions the charging connector and engages it with the vehicle's charge receiver, allowing the system to serve itself in the alignment and connection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated robotic arm system controlled by sensors and actuators. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system improves ease of operation while managing device complexity through integrated control.
2Productivity
If manual alignment and connection is used for vehicle charging, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system pre-positions the charging connector near the vehicle's charge receiver before actual engagement. This preliminary positioning action reduces the time required for alignment and connection during the charging process, thereby improving charging efficiency and reducing overall charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow manual alignment operations with an automated robotic arm system that can quickly and precisely position the charging connector. This mechanical substitution enables faster alignment and engagement, directly reducing charging time and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If inductive charging coils are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inductive charging coils with a conductive charging system using a robotic arm to physically connect electrical connectors. This substitution eliminates the need for precise alignment of inductive coils while maintaining ease of operation through automated connection, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system may include a drive system mounted to a chassis, a positionable electrical connector assembly, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, and a control module. The control module may be programmed to operate the drive system to place the chassis proximate a vehicle electrical connector and operate the positionable electrical connector assembly to releasably engage the vehicle electrical connector.