Modular EV Charging Column with Swappable Functional Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging stations in open or semi-open car parks occupy significant space and are inefficient due to their fixed installation, making it difficult to serve multiple parking spaces and requiring extensive maintenance when components fail.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric vehicle charging station with a base that can be anchored to the ground and interchangeable functional modules, allowing a single terminal to serve multiple locations and facilitating easy maintenance by enabling modules to be replaced without disrupting service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed charging station is installed in each parking space, then each vehicle can be charged at its designated space, but the space occupied by charging cabinets reduces the number of available parking spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into a fixed base unit and separate functional modules. The base contains common components while functional modules (charging cables, interfaces) are detachable and can be swapped independently. This segmentation allows the charging station to serve multiple parking spaces without requiring a dedicated cabinet at each space.
Solution Approach 2:
A single base unit with multiple slots can accommodate different functional modules to serve multiple parking spaces simultaneously. The universal base design with standardized slots allows one charging station to replace multiple individual stations, reducing overall space occupation while maintaining charging availability across multiple locations.
2Reliability
If individual charging cabinets are installed at each parking space, then charging can be provided at every location, but maintenance becomes complex as technicians must locate and repair components within distributed cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
By separating functional modules from the base and using standardized connection interfaces, the system enables easy identification and replacement of defective modules. Technicians can quickly swap out malfunctioning functional modules without disassembling entire cabinets or locating components within distributed units, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical functional modules can be pre-manufactured and stored. When a module fails, a replacement module can be quickly installed from stock, minimizing downtime. The standardized design allows for easy duplication and replacement of modules across multiple charging stations.
3Reliability
If replacement components are ordered and assembled for charging station repairs, then the charging station can be restored, but the station remains unavailable during the entire intervention period
Solution Approach 1:
Functional modules are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-tested as complete units. Replacement modules can be prepared in advance and stored ready for installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site component assembly and testing, allowing for rapid replacement and minimizing downtime during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant functional modules can be kept as spare copies. When a module fails, an identical replacement module is immediately installed from inventory, restoring functionality without delay. The standardized modular design enables maintenance teams to keep stock of replacement modules ready for quick deployment.
4Ease of repair
If modular functional modules are used with interchangeable slots, then modules can be replaced independently to simplify maintenance, but the base structure becomes more complex with multiple slots and connection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with standardized slots and connection interfaces that segment the system into replaceable functional modules. While the base structure does become more complex with multiple slots, this complexity is organized through standardization, allowing for easy module replacement. The segmented design enables independent replacement of functional modules without affecting the base or other modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure incorporates universal slots and connection devices that can accommodate different types of functional modules. This universality justifies the increased base complexity by enabling a single base to support multiple functions and module types, simplifying maintenance through standardized replacement procedures across different module varieties.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical and mechanical connection device (9) for an electric vehicle charging module (7) to a fixed base (5), comprising: - a plug (93) articulated to the base (5) around a pivot (91), the free end of which forms a guide for insertion in translation, - a housing (95), located at the rear of the charging module (7), of a shape complementary to the plug (93), - complementary electrical contacts (97, 99), carried by the plug (93) at its free end, and by the charging module (7) at the bottom of the housing (95), as well as to the charging station (1) of a motor vehicle comprising said connection device (9).