Mobile EV Charger Layout Using Remote Power Sockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems for electric vehicles are limited by stationary charging stations that can only charge vehicles parked nearby, restricting the number of vehicles that can be charged and requiring costly and inflexible infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution system featuring a stationary charging station connected to multiple power sockets via underground power lines, with a mobile charger that autonomously moves between sockets to charge vehicles without the need for long charging cables or guide rails, allowing for flexible layout and reduced installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stationary charging stations with power cords are used, then vehicles can be charged reliably, but the number of vehicles that can be charged is limited and the infrastructure becomes inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of vehicles chargedVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the charging station to the vehicle (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by bringing the power source to the ground and having a mobile charger move to the vehicle. The charging station remains stationary at the ground level with multiple power sockets, while the mobile charger unit moves autonomously to connect with vehicles, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is segmented into two independent components: a stationary charging station with multiple power sockets and a mobile charger unit. This segmentation allows the power distribution infrastructure to remain simple and fixed while the mobile charger provides flexible service to multiple vehicles, resolving the contradiction between serving more vehicles and maintaining infrastructure simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If long charging cables are used to reach multiple vehicles, then more vehicles can be charged, but the system becomes inflexible and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging coverageVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mobile charging function from the traditional stationary charging station model. By placing power sockets at ground level and using a mobile charger unit with integrated power connection mechanisms, the system eliminates the need for long, expensive charging cables extending from a central station, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining charging coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal cable extension model to a vertical power distribution model. Power is distributed vertically through underground or surface-mounted power lines to ground-level sockets, while the mobile charger moves horizontally to serve vehicles. This dimensional change eliminates the need for long horizontal cables, reducing installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If guide rails and heavy charging cables are used, then the charging system is stable, but the installation becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging connection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile charger unit is equipped with autonomous navigation and self-alignment capabilities, allowing it to automatically position itself and establish connections with vehicles without requiring external guide rails or manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains connection reliability while eliminating the need for complex guide rail infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical guide rail system with electronic control and sensor-based navigation. The mobile charger uses electronic sensors, control algorithms, and actuation mechanisms to achieve precise positioning and connection, substituting a simple mechanical rail system with a more sophisticated but space-efficient electronic control system that reduces overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11807121B2Power distribution system including remotely controllable power receptacle and an electric vehicle mobile charger having an actuatable power connection mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A power distribution system includes a charging station, a plurality of power socket assemblies, and at least one power line. The charging station includes a charging station control module. The plurality of power socket assemblies are operable to supply power to a vehicle. The at least one power line electrically connects the charging station to each of the plurality of power socket assemblies. The charging station is configured to supply power to any one of the plurality of power socket assemblies through the at least one power line.