Optical Vehicle Charging Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position-determining systems for electric vehicle charging stations are prone to errors due to reliance on iterative and ultrasound-based methods, which lack accuracy and reliability, especially when vehicles are not on a specified route.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based position-determining system that uses geometric features and position markers to optically determine the position of a vehicle's contact interface relative to a charging interface in two dimensions, enabling accurate and flexible positioning independent of the vehicle's route, with optional infrared illumination for daylight independence and heating for snow and ice conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative and ultrasound-based distance measurement is used for position determination, then the system can determine distance while the vehicle is travelling, but the accuracy and reliability of position determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/ultrasound-based distance measurement system with an optical camera-based vision system. The camera captures images of position markers on the vehicle, and image processing algorithms calculate the vehicle's position and orientation relative to the charging station, achieving higher accuracy and reliability in position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from ultrasound distance measurements to optical image coordinates. By detecting the position and size of markers in the camera image, the system can determine both distance and angular orientation, providing more comprehensive and accurate position information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specified route is enforced for positioning, then the vehicle can be guided to the charging station, but the system becomes tied to route-specific information and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle equips itself with position markers that are automatically detected by the charging station's camera system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the charging station to provide route guidance information, allowing the vehicle to be positioned flexibly at any location where the markers are visible and detectable.
3Ease of operation
If road markings are used for positioning guidance, then the driver can orient the vehicle, but the method is prone to errors in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual guidance method (road markings) with an automated optical detection system. The camera-based system automatically detects the position markers on the vehicle and calculates precise position and orientation data, eliminating human error in interpreting road markings while maintaining ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If a camera-based position determination system is implemented, then the accuracy and reliability of position determination increases, but additional equipment and system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position determination function from the charging station's control system and implements it as a separate, dedicated camera-based vision system. This modular approach isolates the complexity to a specific subsystem while simplifying the overall system architecture and making the position determination function more reliable and accurate.
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
The system significantly increases the accuracy and reliability of position determination, allowing for precise alignment of the vehicle with the charging interface, reducing the need for route-specific information and ensuring reliable charging operations under various weather and lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The position-determining system determines the position optically in at least two dimensions
Implementation Method 2
The infrared illumination unit is used for illuminating a region with infrared light
Implementation Method 3
The vehicle can comprise a heating element for heating the position marker
Data Source
AI summary
A position-determining system is provided for a charging station for a vehicle being driven at least partially electrically. The position-determining system serves to determine a position of a contact interface of the vehicle in relation to a charging interface of the charging station. The position-determining system determines the position visually in at least two dimensions. As a result of the at least two-dimensional determination of the position, the vehicle is not tied to a predefined route. This increases the reliability of the positioning of the vehicle when it approaches the charging station.