Multi-Connection Switch Layout for Flexible EV Parking-Space Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging systems require separate kiosk installations and dedicated spaces, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to limited charging capacity and competition for charging spots, as well as the need for vehicles to be moved after charging.
Innovation Solution
A charging system utilizing a transformer, AC/DC converting system, request power manipulation unit, and multi-connection switches to form a charging path within a building or parking lot, allowing for flexible charging at any parking space with a high density of charging adapters, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles without specific zone limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate kiosk installations are used for charging electric vehicles, then charging function is provided, but installation cost and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into modular components: power supply units (transformers, AC/DC converters) are separated from charging adapters. Multiple charging adapters can share a single power supply unit, eliminating the need for each parking space to have a dedicated kiosk. This segmentation allows charging infrastructure to be distributed across many parking spaces without requiring proportional infrastructure at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit serves multiple charging adapters simultaneously, making a single infrastructure component universal for multiple charging points. The system can dynamically allocate power to multiple vehicles based on demand, allowing one transformer and converter setup to support numerous parking spaces rather than requiring dedicated equipment at each spot.
2Productivity
If dedicated parking spaces for electric vehicles are increased, then charging capacity is improved, but installation cost and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charging adapters are merged under a single power supply unit, allowing the system to serve more vehicles without proportionally increasing infrastructure. The shared power supply can dynamically allocate capacity to multiple adapters, enabling high charging capacity with reduced infrastructure quantity compared to having dedicated equipment for each charging point.
3Ease of operation
If kiosk is installed around each parking space, then charging is available at that location, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the charging function into lightweight charging adapters that can be installed at individual parking spaces, while the expensive power supply infrastructure is consolidated into shared units. This allows charging availability at multiple locations without replicating the full kiosk infrastructure at each spot, significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining ease of operation.
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 system reduces installation costs and space requirements by enabling efficient charging at any parking space, allowing for flexible vehicle placement and varying charging speeds, while minimizing power loss and infrastructure needs.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer, an AC/DC converting system, a request power manipulation unit, and multi-connection switches to form a charging path
Implementation Method 2
an AC/DC converting system configured to convert AC power into DC power
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging system according to one aspect of the present invention operates a multi-connection switch connected to three or more electric wires of an electrical grid, so as to connect some electric wires from among the three or more electric wires, and thus can selectively form connection paths. The multi-connection switch comprises: multiple directional contacts that enable, through longitudinal conductors, the incoming and outgoing of electricity and are connected from the outside; internal wirings formed as longitudinal conductors that mutually connect the contacts; one or more switches provided in the corresponding internal wirings to perform the role of connecting or disconnecting any one part of the internal wirings; and a control unit capable of turning the switches on or off.