Road-Embedded Motion Plug for Conductive EV Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range and duration of electrical vehicles (EVs) due to the weight and size of battery packs, particularly in large trucks, hinder their widespread adoption, and existing solutions like onboard generators or magnetic induction face inefficiencies and practical limitations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that embeds power supply and return lines in roads, allowing EVs to connect and receive power through conductive tires, establishing a complete circuit for power transmission while in motion, with elastomer-embedded breakers ensuring contact and safety features like conductive tires and a stationary contact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If onboard battery pack size and weight are increased to extend EV range, then energy storage capacity is improved, but vehicle weight increases and payload capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional onboard battery storage to a two-dimensional road-integrated power transmission system. Power supply lines are embedded in the road surface, allowing vehicles to receive power continuously during motion without carrying heavy batteries, effectively moving the power source from the vehicle dimension to the infrastructure dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary power transmission infrastructure between the power grid and moving vehicles. Breakers embedded in the road act as intermediaries that establish temporary electrical connections with vehicle tires, enabling power transfer without direct vehicle-grid connection or onboard energy storage.
2Quantity of substance
If onboard battery pack weight is reduced to increase payload capacity, then payload capacity is improved, but energy storage capacity and range decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The road-embedded breakers serve as intermediaries that enable continuous power transfer from the grid to moving vehicles through conductive tires. This intermediary infrastructure allows vehicles to maintain minimal onboard energy storage while achieving extended range through continuous external power supply during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical battery storage system with an electrical power transmission system. Instead of storing energy mechanically in heavy batteries, the system uses electrical conduction through the road infrastructure and vehicle tires to deliver power continuously, substituting mass-based energy storage with flow-based energy delivery.
3Use of energy by moving object
If direct connection to power grid is implemented for moving vehicles, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but infrastructure complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission infrastructure is segmented into discrete, modular breakers embedded at intervals along the road. Each breaker is an independent unit that activates only when a vehicle is present, dividing the complex task of continuous power transmission into simple, localized switching operations that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the vehicle's own weight and presence automatically trigger the breaker activation through weight-sensitive switches. The vehicle tires themselves serve as the conductive connection medium, eliminating the need for complex external connection mechanisms or active vehicle-side switching equipment.
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 enables continuous power transmission to EVs while in motion, reducing onboard energy storage needs and extending range, making EVs more practical for widespread adoption by providing a reliable and efficient means of power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The breakers are embedded in an elastic compressible material of certain stress-strain characteristics that compresses to close the air gaps and make contact with the power supply line when, and only when, a vehicle tire having a certain weight, tire pressure, and contact area passes directly over said contactors; and elastically rebounds to open the air gaps once the vehicle tire moves passed
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus is comprised of at least one power supply and one power return line at road level accessible to EVs, plus means of connecting EVs in motion to said lines... The power may then be transmitted to the EV passing directly over via a conductive tire as described herein
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transmission of electricity by conduction to a vehicle while in motion.