Mobile EV Charging Vehicle for Low-Battery Rescue En Route
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles (EVs) face delays and inconveniences when running low on battery power and unable to reach nearby charging stations, leading to potential safety risks and discomfort for occupants, especially in adverse weather conditions, due to the inefficiencies of conventional tow truck dispatching methods.
Innovation Solution
An Autonomous Charging Vehicle (ACV) provides a small charge to the EV to enable it to reach a charging station by calculating the necessary power based on battery data, weather, and load conditions, and can connect wirelessly or physically to supply charge without towing, using magnet systems or drones, and communicates with the EV via V2V communication to determine the optimal charging route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tow truck is dispatched to tow the EV to a charging station, then the EV can be transported to a charging station, but significant delays occur and occupants experience inconvenience and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The EV provides its own charging service by deploying a mobile charging unit (MCU) that attaches to the EV and transfers power directly, eliminating the need for external tow trucks or fixed charging stations. The EV essentially charges itself while being transported to the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCU is deployed and attached to the EV before the EV runs out of power completely, providing preliminary charging action that ensures continuous power supply during transport to the charging station, preventing the need for emergency towing.
2Reliability
If the EV waits for a tow truck to arrive and tow it to a charging station, then the EV can be recharged, but occupants experience hardship especially in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The EV independently deploys the MCU and performs self-charging during transport, eliminating the need to wait exposed in extreme weather for external towing services. The occupants remain protected inside the EV throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCU acts as an intermediary charging device that connects between the EV and the charging station infrastructure, providing a mobile power source that eliminates the need for occupants to wait at fixed charging stations in adverse weather conditions.
3Productivity
If conventional tow truck services are used, then the EV can be transported to a charging station, but the system is inefficient due to limited tow truck resources and long travel times
Solution Approach 1:
The EV deploys its own MCU and performs self-charging, eliminating the need for external tow truck services entirely. This self-service approach dramatically improves efficiency by removing the travel time and resource constraints associated with conventional towing services.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCU is deployed and charging is initiated before the EV reaches the charging station, performing preliminary charging action that reduces or eliminates the need for extended waiting and towing time, thereby improving overall service efficiency.
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 reduces delays and inconveniences by enabling EVs to reach charging stations safely and efficiently, even in adverse conditions, by providing just enough power for the EV to continue driving to a charging station, thus minimizing the risk of stranded occupants.
Implementation Method 1
The ACV may use a magnet system to connect behind the EV and supply charge
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for charging an electric vehicle (EV) are described herein. An EV may require additional battery power to reach a charging station. A remote server in communication with the EV or an on-board computer or mobile device in the EV may obtain data to determine a location for the EV to meet a charging vehicle. The charging vehicle may be dispatched to meet the EV and deliver power to it, enabling the EV to reach a charging station or other destination. In some examples, the charging vehicle may deliver power to the EV while both vehicles are stationary. In other examples, the charging vehicle may couple to the EV while both vehicles are in motion.