Overhead Charging Cable Support Arm for Dense EV Parking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging solutions for electric vehicles face challenges such as increased parking space requirements and collision risks due to charging cables, especially when multiple vehicles are parked closely together, and existing mechanisms are not reliable in harsh weather conditions or capable of handling high charging currents.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism for charging cables that includes a spring-loaded, pivotable arm with adjustable stiffness, allowing the cable to be stored above vehicles when not in use and lowered for charging, using mechanical, gas, hydraulic, or electric actuators for controlled movement, and featuring a guide element for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging cables are hung from above in the level where vehicles move, then charging can be provided to vehicles, but collision risk between charging cables and vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is moved from the horizontal plane (where vehicles move) to the vertical dimension by suspending it from above. The cable can be lowered to the charging level when needed and retracted upward when not in use, separating the charging function from the vehicle movement plane and eliminating collision risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is made dynamically positionable through a suspension mechanism that allows it to be lowered to the charging level and retracted to an elevated storage position. This dynamic positioning enables the cable to adapt between two states: accessible for charging and retracted for safety, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and collision risk.
2Ease of operation
If charging apparatus units are placed within the parking space between vehicles, then charging can be provided, but parking space density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus is moved from the horizontal parking plane to the vertical dimension by suspending it from the ceiling or overhead structure. This allows the charging function to be provided without occupying floor space, maintaining full parking density while enabling charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is suspended from above and can be lowered to the vehicle level, creating a virtual charging station that doesn't require physical ground-mounted equipment. This copying of the charging function from ground level to overhead level eliminates the need for floor space occupation.
3Extent of automation
If a spring element is used to control the charging cable position, then automatic positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is configured to automatically position the charging cable by utilizing the weight of the cable itself. The spring provides counterbalancing force that automatically raises the cable to its storage position when not in use and allows it to lower when needed, achieving automation without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex motorized or electronically controlled positioning systems are replaced with a simple mechanical spring element that uses elastic potential energy storage and release to achieve automatic cable positioning. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining automation functionality.
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
Maintains vehicle parking density and ensures safe charging by avoiding upward pulling forces on the cable and plug, reducing collision risks and accommodating high charging currents while minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring element comprises at least one first spring element having a first end and a second end and configured to control position of a first beam attached to a first shaft or a mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support mechanism for a charging cable for electric vehicles. The charging cable comprises, at its distal end, a charging plug connectable to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle. The support mechanism comprises at least one joint and at least one spring element for facilitating movement of the support mechanism at least in vertical dimension between an idle position and an operation position. In the idle position, the entire support mechanism and the charging plug are placed above a space reserved for parking the electric vehicles. In the operation position, the charging plug is provided within the space reserved for the electric vehicles during charging, and the charging plug is approximately at the same horizontal level as the charging inlet of an electric vehicle.