Mobile EV Charging Arm Control for Automatic Plug Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require manual effort to align and insert the charging plug into the vehicle's charging port, which can be difficult for individuals with disabilities due to the weight of the cable and reaching limitations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile charging apparatus with a movable arm and a control module that communicates with the vehicle's control module or user device to receive charging requests, determine the charging port location, and control the movement of the charging apparatus to align the plug with the port, reducing the need for manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and insertion of charging plug is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to weight and reaching limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus autonomously performs alignment and plug insertion without requiring manual intervention. The control module automatically controls the movable arm to position the charging plug at the charging port based on detected port location, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated system using sensors to detect charging port location and a control module to coordinate the movable arm's positioning. This substitutes human mechanical actions with an automated control system that integrates sensing, processing, and actuation.
2Ease of operation
If automated alignment system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm structure serves multiple functions: it supports the charging plug, enables automated positioning, and facilitates both approach and withdrawal movements. The control module integrates multiple control functions including receiving charging requests, processing sensor data for port location, and coordinating arm movement, consolidating what could be separate systems into unified multi-functional components.
3Productivity
If movable arm with actuators is used, then productivity is improved through automated alignment, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus employs a movable arm with actuators that enable dynamic positioning and adjustment. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing the charging plug to be automatically positioned at the charging port through controlled movement, thereby improving charging alignment efficiency and overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system includes a mobile charging apparatus having a charging plug configured to connect to a charging port of a vehicle for charging a battery in the vehicle, and a control module in communication with the mobile charging apparatus. The control module configured to receive a charging request signal from a vehicle control module of the vehicle or a user device, in response to receiving the charging request signal, determine a location of the charging port of the vehicle, and control the mobile charging apparatus to move adjacent to the charging port of the vehicle based on the determined location of the charging port. Other examples charging systems and methods of controlling mobile charging apparatuses are also disclosed.