Hexapod EV Charging Interface Alignment With Compliance Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging solutions for electric vehicles require specific, legally approved infrastructure that limits their use across various vehicles and countries, as they are designed for specific charging connectors.
Innovation Solution
A charging station equipped with a robot that carries a robot-side charging interface, capable of moving in at least three degrees of freedom using displacement assemblies with actuators and compliance assemblies, allowing for automatic connection with standardized vehicle-side charging interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific charging connector is used, then the charging connection can be established reliably, but the infrastructure cannot be used by a wide variety of vehicles or countries
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot is designed with a universal charging interface that can accommodate multiple vehicle types and connector standards. The robot comprises a base frame, a moveable carrier with charging interface, and displacement assemblies that enable it to serve various vehicles regardless of their specific charging interface requirements, thus achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility
2Extent of automation
If automated charging connection is implemented, then the charging process can be performed without manual intervention, but the system requires complex infrastructure approval under local legislation
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot is equipped with sensors and control systems that enable it to autonomously locate, approach, and connect to the vehicle's charging interface without human intervention. The robot self-adjusts its position and orientation using its displacement assemblies, and automatically establishes the charging connection, thereby achieving self-service operation
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot charging interface moves with high precision, then proper alignment with vehicle interface can be achieved, but the system becomes more sensitive to misalignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement assemblies incorporate compliance mechanisms that allow for dynamic adjustment of positional parameters. When misalignment is detected, the system changes the position and orientation parameters of the charging interface in real-time to compensate for the misalignment, thereby maintaining reliable engagement despite initial positioning errors
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 a standardized, automated charging connection that can accommodate different types of vehicles and charging interfaces, while ensuring proper alignment and engagement of the charging interfaces, even when not perfectly aligned.
Implementation Method 1
the robot comprises at least one compliance assembly in series with an actuator and the robot-side charging interface that is configured for resiliently absorbing or releasing a displacement between the actuator and the robot-side charging interface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging infrastructure comprising a charging station (1) for charging a vehicle (10) having a vehicle-side charging interface (20), wherein the charging station (1) comprises a robot (50) that carries a robot-side charging interface (100) for establishing a charging connection with the vehicle-side charging interface (20), wherein the robot comprises a base frame (51), a movable carrier (60) carrying the robot-side charging interface, and at least three displacement assemblies (71-76) between the base frame and the movable carrier that form a mechanism to move the movable carrier with at least three degrees of freedom with respect to the base frame, wherein the displacement assemblies comprise an actuator (80) and a compliance assembly (90) in series with an actuator and the robot-side charging interface for resiliently absorbing or releasing a displacement between the actuator and the robot-side charging interface over a compliance stroke or angle.