Multi-Connector Charging Head for EV Port Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for hybrid/electric vehicles lack adaptability to different vehicle electrical port profiles, requiring manual adjustment and limiting efficient charging compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with a slidable and rotatable charging head and multiple electrical connectors of varying profiles, controlled by a programmable controller to automatically align and connect with vehicle electrical ports, ensuring seamless charging across different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed charging system with single connector type is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different vehicle electrical port profiles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system incorporates multiple electrical connectors with different profiles (e.g., NEMA 5-15, NEMA 14-50, J1772, CCS1) within a single charging station, enabling one system to serve multiple vehicle types and port configurations. The charging head can present different connector types to match the vehicle's electrical port profile, achieving universal compatibility without requiring separate charging stations for each connector type.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging head is designed with movable components including a slidable mechanism along a track and a rotatable joint, allowing dynamic adjustment of the charging head's position and orientation. This enables the charging head to automatically align with vehicle electrical ports at various heights and angles, adapting to different vehicle configurations while maintaining a compact stationary charging station structure.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of charging head position is required, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system incorporates sensors (e.g., optical sensors, cameras) and control systems that automatically detect the vehicle's presence, identify the electrical port profile, and adjust the charging head position and orientation without user intervention. The system self-configures to match the vehicle requirements, eliminating manual adjustment while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system uses sensors to detect the vehicle's electrical port profile and provides feedback to the control system, which then automatically adjusts the charging head position and selects the appropriate connector. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate alignment and connector selection, improving ease of operation while managing system complexity through automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are included, then the adaptability to different vehicle profiles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system consolidates multiple electrical connectors with different profiles into a single charging head assembly, which can present the appropriate connector type based on the detected vehicle profile. This merging approach provides multi-connector functionality while maintaining a unified, manageable system structure rather than requiring separate charging stations for each connector type.
4Ease of operation
If automated alignment and connector selection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs preliminary detection of the vehicle's electrical port profile using sensors before initiating the charging process. Based on this preliminary information, the control system pre-configures the charging head position, orientation, and connector selection, streamlining the subsequent charging process and reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station includes a charging head and a plurality of electrical connectors. The charging head is slidable along a track and rotatable along an axis. The plurality of electrical connectors is secured to the charging head and is disposed radially about the axis. Each of the electrical connectors have a different profile and are configured to engage an electrical port of an electric vehicle having a matching profile to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. The charging head is configured to slide along the track and rotate along the axis to align each of the electrical connectors with a corresponding electrical port. Each of the electrical connectors is configured to advance from and retract to the charging head to engage and disengage the corresponding electrical port.