Inductive Curb Module for EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging solutions for electric vehicles in public spaces are inefficient, as they occupy valuable footpath or cycle path space, obstruct pedestrian movement, and negatively impact the cityscape, while retrofitting street lamps for charging infrastructure is cumbersome and increases space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A curb module with an integrated charging device, modeled after a conventional curb, that allows for inductive energy transfer, minimizing space usage and cable obstructions, and enabling simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles with adjustable energy rates, blending seamlessly into the urban environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If charging columns are installed in public spaces, then charging functionality is provided, but footpath and cycle path space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is merged with the curbstone, combining two separate functions (curbstone as boundary marker and charging station as power supply) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate charging column installations that would occupy footpath space, as the charging functionality is embedded within the existing curbstone infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The curbstone is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains its traditional role as a road boundary marker while simultaneously housing charging infrastructure. The multi-functional design allows the same structure to provide both urban planning functions and electric vehicle charging services without requiring additional space.
2Ease of operation
If charging columns are installed along streets, then charging access is improved, but cityscape aesthetics are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the charging station into the curbstone, the design merges a functional utility structure with an aesthetic urban element. The curbstone's traditional form is preserved while incorporating charging components, allowing charging access to be provided without introducing visually disruptive separate charging column structures along the streetscape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If street lamps are retrofitted with charging infrastructure, then separate charging points can be dispensed with, but installation effort and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of retrofitting existing street lamps with charging infrastructure (adding components to an existing structure), the invention inverts the approach by integrating charging functionality directly into the curbstone during its original construction or replacement. This eliminates the need for complex retrofits, additional housings, and cable routing modifications that would be required for street lamp conversions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If charging cables are routed through footpaths to modified streetlights, then charging connectivity is achieved, but pedestrian freedom of movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connectivity function is extracted from the street lamp location and relocated to the curbstone position adjacent to the vehicle. This eliminates the need for cables to stretch across the footpath from a distant street lamp to the vehicle, thereby removing the obstruction to pedestrian movement while maintaining charging connectivity through a nearby curbstone interface.
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
The curb module provides efficient, space-saving, and safe charging solutions for electric vehicles in public spaces, reducing cable obstructions and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of cityscapes by integrating charging functionality into existing curb infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one transmission unit of the charging device is configured such that energy transmission to an external recipient coupled to the transmission unit is possible via said transmission unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a curb module 1 having a base body 10. The base body 10 has a cavity which is surrounded by walls of the base body 10. A charging device 20 is provided in the cavity, wherein the charging device 20 comprises at least one transmission unit 22. The at least one transmission unit 22 of the charging device 20 is configured such that it is capable of transmitting electrical energy to an external consumer. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a curb module assembly comprising at least two such curb modules 1 and a charging station comprising at least one such curb module 1. Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for operating such devices.