Mobile Charging Arm for Electric Vehicles

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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

Implementing 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, enabling smaller battery capacities and reducing the need for larger batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If large batteries are used to ensure adequate driving range, then the driving range is improved, but the vehicle weight and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving rangeVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile charge vehicle approaches and positions itself near the electric vehicle before charging begins, preparing the charging interface in advance. The articulating arm is pre-positioned to engage with the charge interface, enabling seamless energy transfer without requiring the electric vehicle to stop or pull over to stationary charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile charge vehicle acts as an intermediary between stationary charging infrastructure and the electric vehicle. It carries energy from remote sources and delivers it directly to the electric vehicle through the articulating arm and charge interface, eliminating the need for the electric vehicle to access fixed charging stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If large batteries are used to ensure adequate driving range, then the driving range is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile charge vehicle is pre-positioned and prepared to provide charging services before the electric vehicle needs energy replenishment. This allows continuous operation without interrupting the electric vehicle's serviceability, reducing the need for oversized batteries that would be required to account for extended periods between charging opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile charge vehicle serves as a flexible intermediary that can deliver energy to multiple electric vehicles at different locations, reducing the need for each individual electric vehicle to carry large batteries for maximum range coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the electric vehicle stops to charge at stationary infrastructure, then the battery is recharged, but the vehicle operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery rechargingVSAvoidvehicle operation interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile charge vehicle and articulating arm system provides dynamic charging capability, allowing the electric vehicle to receive energy while continuing to move or remain in service. The system adapts to the electric vehicle's operational state rather than requiring the vehicle to stop for charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging process occurs continuously without interrupting the electric vehicle's useful action or service operation. The mobile charge vehicle maintains energy transfer while the electric vehicle remains operational, eliminating downtime associated with traditional stationary charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If a mobile charge vehicle approaches closely for charging, then energy transfer is enabled, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transferVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The articulating arm serves as a flexible intermediary that can extend and retract to control the distance between the mobile charge vehicle and the electric vehicle. This allows energy transfer while maintaining safe operational distances and enabling quick disengagement if safety concerns arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating arm provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the charge interface to be precisely positioned for optimal energy transfer while maintaining safe distances. The system can rapidly adjust positions and disengage if safety risks are detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11110812B2Mobile charging for electric vehicles

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for mobile charging of an electric vehicle are described herein. An example electric vehicle includes a battery and a first charge interface for the battery disposed on an exterior surface of the electric vehicle. The first charge interface is configured to be engaged with a second charge interface on an articulating arm of a mobile charge vehicle to transfer energy from an energy source of the mobile charge vehicle to the battery while the electric vehicle is in motion.