Multi-Axis Movable Arm for Automatic EV Charging Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging devices for electric vehicles require manual intervention for electrical connection, which is inefficient and not suitable for automated or high-power charging, especially in scenarios like autonomous vehicles or car sharing, where precise parking is not always possible.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a first component featuring a base and a movable arm that can pivot and translate along multiple axes to guide a contacting element to a coupling element on the vehicle, allowing for flexible positioning and automatic connection, even with imprecise parking, and reducing the weight and size of the second component attached to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large plate with multiple conical receptacles is used on the vehicle underside to accommodate imprecise parking, then the tolerance range for parking inaccuracies is increased, but the weight and size of the vehicle-mounted component increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the vehicle-mounted component (second component) large and heavy to accommodate parking inaccuracies, the patent inverts the approach by making the stationary component (first component) the movable element. The arm with multiple degrees of freedom moves the contacting element to reach the coupling element, allowing the vehicle-mounted component to be compact while still tolerating imprecise parking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by equipping the stationary first component with a movable arm that has multiple degrees of freedom (pivotable about vertical axis, pivotable upward, and extendable). This dynamic structure allows the contacting element to automatically adjust its position to reach the coupling element on the vehicle, providing adaptability to parking inaccuracies without increasing vehicle-mounted weight.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for electrical connection, then the charging process is simpler in terms of automation, but the efficiency and productivity of charging decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the charging device to automatically establish the electrical connection without user intervention. The arm automatically moves the contacting element to the coupling element when the vehicle parks in the charging space, and the system autonomously initiates the charging process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical connection process with an automated electromechanical system. The arm's movement is controlled by drives (electromagnetic or electro-hydraulic) that automatically position the contacting element, substituting human manual operation with an automated control system that improves charging efficiency.
3Power
If high charging power is used, then the energy transfer rate increases, but the cable diameter and weight increase making manual handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy-duty cable handling requirement from the user's task by integrating the high-power electrical connection directly into the automated arm mechanism. The contacting element on the arm establishes the high-power connection without requiring the user to manually handle heavy cables, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling high charging power.
4Measurement precision
If the contacting element is made rigid for precise positioning, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the ability to accommodate misalignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to resolve this contradiction by making the positioning system multi-axis movable rather than rigid. The arm can pivot about a vertical axis, pivot upward, and extend, providing multiple degrees of freedom that enable precise positioning while simultaneously accommodating misalignment through automatic adjustment. The contacting element dynamically adapts its position to achieve both precision and tolerance.
Data Source
AI summary
A first component of a charging device for the electrical energy exchange of an object with a storage battery, in particular for charging a storage battery, for example a storage battery of an electric vehicle, which first component comprises a contacting element. The contacting element can be connected to a coupling element of a second component to produce an electrical connection. A base and an arm arranged thereon are provided, wherein the arm is mounted on the base such that it can move about and/or along multiple axes in order to guide the contacting element to the coupling element. A charging device having has a component of this type as well as a second component with an engaging element, wherein one of the components is fixed in a stationary manner. Further, a use of a first component and to a method for electrically charging a device is disclosed.