Modular Charging Station Foundation for Low-Groundwork Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The infrastructure for electric vehicle charging is limited, costly, and lacks standardization, making it challenging for companies and municipalities to deploy and maintain charging stations due to uncertain demand and varying technologies, leading to high risks and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular charging station mounting device with a plastic foundation member and detachable adapter element, allowing for easy installation and expansion of charging infrastructure without extensive ground work, using a two-part foundation member made from recycled plastic and metal components, which is lightweight, durable, and adaptable to various charging technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional charging station infrastructure is deployed, then charging capability is provided, but installation cost and ground work requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation member is divided into two separate parts that are assembled together during installation. This segmentation allows for easier transport and installation without requiring extensive ground preparation, as each part can be handled more easily and assembled on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation member utilizes the vertical dimension by being installed below ground level with a base portion that extends deeper into the ground. This dimensional approach provides stable anchoring without requiring extensive lateral ground work or surface disruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging infrastructure is expanded to meet demand, then service availability improves, but investment risk increases due to uncertain demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for dynamic expansion by enabling multiple foundation members to be installed in advance without immediate charging poles. When demand arises, charging poles can be quickly attached to pre-positioned foundation members, allowing the infrastructure to adapt to varying demand levels without sunk costs in unused infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Foundation members are installed in advance at potential charging locations before demand is confirmed. This preliminary action allows the infrastructure to be ready for immediate deployment when needed, reducing both the time to respond to demand and the risk of investing in unproven locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging technologies are supported, then service versatility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation member is designed as a universal base that can support different types of charging poles through standardized mounting interfaces. The adapter element provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate various charging technologies and voltages while the foundation itself remains simple and unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter element serves as an intermediary between the standardized foundation member and various charging pole types. This adapter absorbs the complexity of different charging technologies, allowing the foundation to remain simple while still supporting multiple charging standards and configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If foundation member is made from plastic material, then manufacturing cost and climate footprint are reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation member is constructed from composite materials, specifically recycled plastic combined with metal reinforcement elements. This composite structure provides the necessary structural strength and durability while maintaining the manufacturing cost and environmental benefits of plastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal reinforcement elements are strategically placed in specific locations within the plastic foundation member where maximum strength is needed, such as at the base portion for ground anchoring and at mounting points for charging poles. This localized reinforcement provides strength only where required, optimizing both performance and material efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station (1) mounting device comprising a foundation member (409) configured to be installed below ground level (6), anchoring means (10; 110) by which a charging station (1) is mountable to the foundation member (409) and which comprises a detachable adapter element (11; 111; 211) configured to fit the charging station (1) to the foundation member (409), wherein the foundation member (409) comprises a first main part (409′) and a second main part (409″) that are adapted to be assembled together to form the foundation member (409). Such a mounting device promotes deployment of infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles by providing a low-cost, future-proof platform for fitting charging stations (1) from any supplier using virtually any charging technology. As the foundation member (409) comprises a first main part (409′) and a second main part (409″), the foundation member is configured to be made from plastic material.