Mobile Charge Vehicle for Electric Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles require large batteries for extended driving ranges, which are expensive and add significant weight, reducing efficiency and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile charging system that allows electric vehicles to charge their batteries while in motion, using a mobile charge vehicle with an articulating arm and charge interface to transfer energy from a mobile charge vehicle to the electric vehicle, enabling smaller, lighter batteries and reducing the need for larger capacity batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If large batteries are used to ensure adequate driving range, then driving range is improved, but vehicle weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charge vehicle approaches and positions itself alongside the electric vehicle before charging begins, with the articulating arm ready to engage the charge interface. This preliminary positioning enables charging to start immediately when the EV needs power, rather than requiring the vehicle to stop at a fixed charging station, effectively extending the usable driving range without needing a larger battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charge vehicle acts as an intermediary energy source between the electric vehicle and the ultimate power supply. Instead of the EV carrying a large battery or stopping at fixed infrastructure, the mobile charger provides energy transfer on demand, allowing the battery to remain smaller while maintaining adequate driving range through periodic top-ups.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large batteries are used to ensure adequate driving range, then driving range is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charge vehicle is pre-positioned and ready to charge the electric vehicle before the battery becomes depleted. This allows the EV to maintain adequate driving range with a smaller, less expensive battery by receiving periodic charges on the road, eliminating the need to manufacture and install large, costly high-capacity batteries.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric vehicle stops to charge at a fixed station, then the battery is recharged, but loss of time occurs and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a static fixed charging station to a dynamic mobile charge vehicle that moves alongside the electric vehicle. This allows charging to occur while the EV remains in motion or with minimal disruption to its travel schedule, significantly reducing the time loss associated with stopping at fixed charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charge vehicle enables continuous or near-continuous charging operation by approaching and charging the EV during its normal operation. Rather than interrupting the vehicle's useful action (transportation) with lengthy charging stops, the system maintains continuous movement while transferring energy, keeping productivity high.
4Productivity
If a mobile charge vehicle approaches and engages the charge interface while the electric vehicle is moving, then charging occurs without stopping, but the complexity of the charge interface engagement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm provides dynamic positioning capability that automatically adjusts to maintain proper engagement between the charge interfaces during vehicle movement. This dynamic adjustment mechanism handles the complexity of alignment and connection while enabling charging to occur during motion, maintaining high productivity without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.
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
This solution allows for more frequent and efficient charging of electric vehicles, reducing the need for larger batteries, decreasing manufacturing costs, and improving fuel economy while maintaining driving range confidence.
Implementation Method 1
transfer energy from an energy source of the mobile charge vehicle to the battery while the electric vehicle is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for mobile charging of an electric vehicle are described herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a mobile charge vehicle is within a target distance from an electric vehicle, switching the electric vehicle into an autonomous driving mode when the mobile charge vehicle is determined to be within the target distance, and receiving energy from the mobile charge vehicle to charge a battery of the electric vehicle.